An alarming increase in esophageal cancer found in middle-aged adults

A new study revealed the incidence of esophageal cancer in more than five million middle-aged adults in the US. Here’s everything you need to know.

Increase in esophageal cancer in Americans

In a new study, the incidence of esophageal cancer was discovered in over five million middle-aged people in the US. Additionally, the rate doubled from 2012 to 2019. The peer-reviewed study also stated that adults between the ages of 45 to 64 saw almost double the rate of cancer. Additionally, in the same period, the rise in precancerous condition Barrett’s esophagus doubled

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer where malignant cells form in the oesophageal tissue. The esophagus is a hollow long tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The disease is mostly a side effect aggravated by smoking and heavy alcohol intake. Barrett’s esophagus also increases the risk of this disease. While it is easily detected by endoscopy, signs are minimal until the advanced stages.

50 percent rise in disease

“This strong growth in prevalence should be of concern to physicians, and we should consider screening more middle-aged patients for esophageal cancer if they are at higher risk,” stated Bashar J Qumseya. Qumseya, the lead author of the study is the chief of endoscopy and the associate professor of medicine at the University of Florida. “Whenever we see increasing prevalence of any type of cancer, we should ask whether this is merely due to better screening or it is a true increase in the disease prevalence. In our study, it was due to the latter,” he added.

Additionally, by assessing the rate of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), they found no increase. They believe that this may explain the prevalence data. According to the study, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer are more common among older white men. Research also revealed that it is highly prevalent in those about 65. Additionally, the incidence doubled in the 45 to 64 age bracket. The frequency of Barrett’s saw a rise by 50 percent.

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