Heavy drinking and growing obesity are contributing to an increase in oesophageal cancer, a new analysis has claimed, as the UK topped a European survey of the disease.
Cutting back on smoking and alcohol and eating healthier would help Britons reduce their risk of contracting the cancer, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF). It rates the UK as joint 31st-worst in the world, alongside some of Africa and Asia's poorest countries.
The figures, based on World Health Organisation estimates and adjusting them to take into account differing proportions of people in diferent age groups between countries, show 6.4 people per 100,000 in the UK developed oesophageal cancer in 2008, nearly double the European average (3.3). The charity said lifestyle changes could prevent most of the 7,600 deaths – more than 5,000 of them men.
Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science for WCRF, said: "The fact that the UK has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer in Europe is a real concern because it is a type of cancer that has a particularly low survival rate.
"It is also particularly preventable and most cases in the UK could be prevented through a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. The problem is that we have the highest obesity rate in Europe and we drink more alcohol than the European average.
"The good news is that not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol and eating more of a variety of fruits and vegetables will not just reduce your risk of oesophageal cancer. It will also reduce your risk of other types of cancer, as well as being good for health generally."
Jessica Harris, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful - so if you notice an unusual change in your body, and in the case of oesophageal cancer, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness or heartburn, it's a good idea to see your doctor."
After years of debate on possible measures to cut alcohol abuse, the Scottish government is planning to introduce minimum pricing, but this is likely to opposed by the drinks industry. A plan to cut obesity in England by appealing to people to cut their calorie intake, was criticised by Jamie Oliver, who labelled it "worthless, regurgitated, patronising rubbish".
Oesophageal cancer is unusual in that its rates are generally higher in low-income countries. There are two main types – squamous cell carcinoma, linked to smoking and drinking; and adenocarcinoma, which is becoming more common in the UK, and is particularly related to obesity.
Drinking burning hot drinks, such as 'flaming' sambuca, may be a factor in several countries, including the UK.In Iran and China, studies have identified opium use and nutritional deficiencies as possible risks too.
Rates of oesophageal cancer per 100,000 people
World
1 Mongolia 18.7
4 China 16.7
18 Afghanistan 9.3
27 Iran 6.8
31= UK and Rwanda 6.4
Europe
1 UK 6.4
2 Ireland 5.9
3 The Netherlands 5.8
4 Belgium 4.9
5 Luxembourg 4.2
