To reduce the risk of esophageal cancer, people should limit eating foods that are grilled, smoked, processed, contain a lot of salt or are too hot.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (Globocan), in 2020 there will be more than 600,000 new cases of esophageal cancer. This is the 6th most common fatal cancer in the world. In Vietnam, esophageal cancer ranks 9th among the 10 most deadly types of cancer, with more than 3,000 deaths and more than 3,200 new cases.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Digestive Surgery, Central Military Hospital 108, said that some foods can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer, so people should limit their consumption. receive. Specifically:
Grilled and smoked foods
Foods that are charred, especially over charcoal or direct fire, and smoked foods may contain carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These substances are formed when food, especially meat, is scorched due to exposure to high temperatures. According to a study by the International Journal of Cancer, people who regularly consume charred foods have a 50% higher risk of esophageal cancer.
Limit grilling food at high temperatures and avoid burning food. If you must grill, turn the food over and remove any burned parts before eating. Additionally, choose safer cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or stir-frying.
Burnt grilled meat has the risk of causing esophageal cancer. Illustration photo: Bui Thuy
Processed foods and lots of preservatives
Processed foods such as sausages, bacon, ham or canned foods often contain nitrates and nitrites, which are preservatives that can be converted into nitrosamines, a carcinogen. According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming 50 grams of processed meat per day increases the risk of esophageal cancer by about 18%.
In general, you should minimize your consumption of processed foods, replacing them with healthy protein sources such as fish, beans, lean chicken and eggs. Prioritize eating fresh foods, prepared at home to avoid harmful preservative chemicals.
Food and drinks are too hot
The habit of eating or drinking very hot foods, such as hot tea, soup or porridge, can damage the esophageal lining. If this injury is repeated many times, it can easily lead to inflammation, creating conditions for cancer cells to develop.
A better way is to wait for food and drinks to cool before consuming, ensuring the temperature is below 55°C to protect the esophageal lining.
Foods contain a lot of salt
Foods high in salt, including pickles, kimchi, or salty dishes, can damage the lining of the esophagus, creating conditions for cancer to develop. Many world studies also show that a diet rich in salt increases the risk of stomach and esophageal cancer, especially when combined with other risk factors such as smoking or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. .
Limit the use of salt in cooking and avoid consuming pickled foods and canned foods high in sodium. Use natural spices such as garlic, ginger, and herbs instead of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Wine and alcoholic beverages
Alcohol is one of the leading risk factors for esophageal cancer. Drinking too much alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to cell damage and increasing the risk of developing malignant tumors. People who drink more than 3 glasses of alcohol a day are 5 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than people who do not drink, according to research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men should not drink more than 2 drinks per day and women should not drink more than 1 drink per day to reduce the risk of cancer. Choose healthy alternatives like fruit juice, green tea, or water.
Fast food and foods high in saturated fat
Fast food and foods high in saturated fat can cause obesity, one of the risk factors for esophageal cancer. In obese people, especially those with abdominal obesity, excess fat puts pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter, causing the sphincter to weaken and acid from the stomach to easily reflux, eventually transforming into Barrett’s. esophagus. This is a precancerous lesion and increases the risk of disease.
Limit consumption of greasy fried foods, fast foods, and dishes high in saturated fat. Replace with healthy foods like olive oil, avocados, nuts and salmon.