A rise in the incidence of oesophageal and stomach cancer in Ireland is being linked to poor diet and increasing rates of obesity.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund said today the number of new patients with oesophageal cancer is increasing in Ireland, a trend also observed across Europe and North America.
The group said recent research shows “there is undoubtedly some connection” with diet and obesity.
The cancer, which is predominately male, is the second commonest cause of cancer death after lung cancer and ahead of bowel and breast cancer.
Survival rates have markedly in recent years and early diagnosis is the key, with up to 50 per cent of patients now receiving curative therapy.
The organisation’s eight annual Lollipop Days, held to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer, take place next Friday and Saturday, February 27th and 28th.
Professor John Reynolds of St James Hospital said: “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,” Prof Reynolds said.