Survival rates for oesophageal cancer have improved significantly over the last five years, a leading Irish consultant has said.

The oesophagus is the hollow tube that brings food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Together oesophageal and stomach cancer are the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland, after lung cancer.

According to the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), early diagnosis is key. If the disease is caught early enough, around half of patients can receive curative therapy.

The number of new patients with this type of cancer is increasing in Ireland, a trend also observed across Europe and North America. Recent research shows that there is a connection between the disease and diet and obesity. There are also strong links with chronic acid indigestion or reflux and genetic factors may play a role.

“The importance of being proactive about gastrointestinal health cannot be understated. Any difficulty with swallowing needs urgent attention. People with chronic or very severe acid indigestion should discuss this with their GP, at minimum to have it treated effectively, and in some cases to have a test to make sure that the oesophagus is healthy. This advice particularly applies to men over the age of 40,” explained Prof John Reynolds, a specialist oesophageal and gastric surgeon based in St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

He noted that with certain types of oesophageal cancer, the male to female ratio can be as high as 8:1.

The OCF is holding its annual Lollipop Day event this weekend to raise awareness about the disease. Thousands of volunteers will be selling lollipops nationwide on February 27 and 28. All funds raised will be used to promote research into the disease.

The OCF recently pledged up to €500,000 over three years for research into oesophageal cancer.

“Our commitment to funding clinical research is a testament to the calibre of research that is currently taking place into oesophageal cancer in Ireland. Irish researchers are leading the field. Developments in areas of diet-related changes are especially crucial at a time when obesity is a major issue for Irish people,” commented Noelle Ryan, OCF chairperson.

According to the OCF, risk factors for this type of cancer are:
-Age. Those aged 40-45 need to be particularly vigilant.
-Gender. The disease is more common in men.
-Use of tobacco.
-Long-term regurgitation of acid.
-Long history of chronic heartburn.
-Heavy alcohol use.
-Obesity.

The main symptoms of the disease are food ‘sticking’ on swallowing (dysphagia), unexpected weight loss, which may precede dysphagia, and the onset of indigestion in people over 50 who have not previously suffered with this problem.