Docs Debate Esophageal Cancer Treatment

[shanti]

By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer
Mon Mar 20, 4:51 PM ET



WASHINGTON - Chronic heartburn appears to be fueling the nation's fastest-growing cancer, esophageal cancer. Some 3 million Americans are thought to have a type of esophagus damage from severe acid reflux that puts them at increased risk for the deadly cancer — and new research is exploring whether it's possible to zap away that damage and block the cancer from ever forming.

"The million-dollar question is can we prevent cancer," says Dr. V.K. Sharma of the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., who is leading one of the newest studies, using radiofrequency energy to burn away the damage. "That has not been answered."

But it's a question taking on new urgency as doctors chart a six-fold increase in the last two decades in the main type of esophageal cancer.

About 14,550 Americans will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer this year, the American Cancer Society estimates. Most won't be diagnosed until they feel such symptoms as trouble swallowing and loss of appetite. The prognosis is grim: Just 16 percent of esophageal cancer patients survive five years, and 13,770 are predicted to die this year.

Most have esophageal adenocarcinoma, the type linked to severe chronic heartburn.

With this "gastroesophageal reflux disease," or GERD, a loose valve allows stomach acid to regularly back up into the delicate esophagus. In a fraction of heartburn sufferers, most over age 50, severe GERD over many years actually changes the lining of the esophagus: When the stomach acid kills cells in that lining, the esophagus eventually starts healing itself with more acid-resistant cells — which happen to be cancer-prone.

*snip*

on a related note from a bit ago...ann richards was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. it seems to be rising. my uncle has it too.

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

1. just lost my father in law to esophageal cancer -a 56 yr old VietNam Vet

The nicest guy in the world-happy friendy, life was going well for him-->
then BAM-- it hit-
he had trouble swallowing--he lived about 6 more months -

it is not a pleasant experience for the victim or the victims' families.
I hope they can figure out a sucessful cure.

And some of you wonder why I am SO against smoking/drugs/alchohol/bad diet-
People need to take care of themselves because health is not a "given".

Take care of yourselves out there--I need you people to stay around to argue with
while we save this country and our planet!

[BlueIris]

2. I'm sorry.

Our 100,000 person community randomly--or maybe not so randomly--had five people die of it in 2002, which resulted in a visit from the CDC. I didn't realize it was an indication of an epidemic.

[shanti]

7. oh yeah

it's an epidemic, all right. i know quite a few people that take "the little purple pill" or a derivative daily for GERD. i myself take it as well. my physician said that i would have to take this FOR LIFE.

[Dem2theMax]

3. Amen to taking care of your health.

I had acid reflux. Doctor prescribed pills. Pills helped the reflux but gave me terrible headaches, to the point where I'd be nauseous and throwing up all night long. I finally got online and did some research and realized that my 'symptoms' fit right in with an allergic reaction to wheat and wheat products. I eliminated wheat from my diet and guess what? ZERO acid reflux. No longer need the pills, thereby saving money and no more headaches to boot.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if doctors looked to the root of the problem instead of trying to cover it up?

And I am SO very sorry about your Father-in-Law. :hug:

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

4. thanks - and you were so right to explore the diet options

Thanks for your kind words about Roy (my Father in Law).

Wow--good thing the medicine didn't work--you'd still be eating wheat-
not even knowing you were allergic!
The diet change that worked for you could work for others.
But will others be able to access that info?
Funny how it's often "up to the patient" to figure things out.

There's a whole science in India called Ayurveda.
It's starting to catch on here--it's ancient and accurate-
Prescribed diet is based on body type.

P.S.
I had a similar acid reflux problem and I changed my diet to avoid
starchy foods (mosty raw vegan now-)
I now have absoutely no heartburn...ever!

Peace

[WindRavenX]

9. ohhh refined starches give me *horrible* heartburn

x(

Yeah, I cut that stuff out real quick.

[NashVegas]

11. Sorry About Your Loss

I started experiencing reflux about four years ago; I knew right away it was diet related, ie, acid content. I had to eliminate either coffee or Mexican food.

I drink tea now, no reflux.

Another thing that will bring it back is if I over-eat. You know, like when that pizza is soooooo good you just can't stop reaching for another piece. It makes me wonder how much of this epidemic is also related to our obesity problem.

[redwitch]

5. My 83 yr old MIL has esophogeal cancer. My husband has severe reflux.

This article scared the hell out of me. Hubby has been on Nexium for over a year- lesions have healed supposedly but I am terrified that esophogeal cancer is on the horizon for him too. He has changed his diet but I worry the damage has been done.

[NIGHT TRIPPER]

12. you should not worry-corrective measures have now been taken

You should really be proud of him!
Changing a diet is not always an easy thing to do!

[DrDan]

6. link please

[shanti]

8. sorry

here's the link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060321/ap_on_he_me/healthbeat_esophageal_cancer_4

[DrDan]

10. thanks

I just heard yesterday that an old friend of mine was diagnosed with this. I was asking about the prognosis, but was not told anything as serious as this article indicates. He just retired from the Navy as a Captain and was planning a future in politics. I am sure his plans have changed.