Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the food pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Northern Afghanistan, northern Iran and Central Asia have some of the highest rates in the world. It is linked to drinking very hot tea, smoking, naswar, opium use and a diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables. It is often found late; trouble swallowing is the main warning sign.
Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing, first with solid food and later with soft food and liquids
A feeling that food sticks in the chest
Pain or burning behind the breastbone
Losing weight without trying
A hoarse voice or a cough that does not go away
Vomiting or bringing food back up
Causes
Regularly drinking very hot tea or other very hot drinks
Smoking, naswar and opium use
Alcohol
A diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables
Long-term acid reflux
Older age
Prevention
Let tea cool for a few minutes before drinking it
Do not smoke, use naswar or use opium
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day
Get long-term reflux treated
See a doctor early for any trouble swallowing
Treatment
Diagnosis by endoscopy and biopsy
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, depending on the stage
A stent or other procedures to help swallowing
Nutrition support with soft or liquid food
Treatment is planned by a specialist team
Do not rely on unproven remedies instead of medical treatment
Common questions
Is drinking hot tea really a risk?
Drinking tea itself is not harmful. The risk comes from drinking it very hot, which repeatedly burns the food pipe. Waiting a few minutes for tea to cool lowers the risk.
Is trouble swallowing always cancer?
No. It can be caused by reflux, a narrowing from scarring, or other conditions. But it should always be checked by a doctor, because early diagnosis matters.
