One type of cancer that is rapidly increasing in young people, faster than colorectal cancer, is esophageal cancer. This cancer has seen alarming growth rates in recent years, especially in individuals aged 25 to 40.

Why is esophageal cancer in young people concerning?

1. Sharp increase in younger age groups
   Although esophageal cancer typically affects older adults, the incidence of this cancer has significantly risen in younger populations in recent years. Studies show that esophageal cancer in individuals under 50 is on the rise, primarily due to unhealthy habits and poor dietary patterns.

2. Main causes are unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle

   • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, fast food, fried items, sugary drinks, and alcohol are major risk factors for esophageal cancer. These habits can damage the esophageal lining, cause inflammation, and increase the risk of developing the disease.

   • Obesity: One of the biggest risk factors for esophageal cancer is obesity. People with high body mass index (BMI) have a significantly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer compared to those with healthy weight.

   • Alcohol and tobacco use: These are key carcinogenic factors. Smoking and drinking alcohol, especially among young people, dramatically increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

3. Late diagnosis and low survival rates
   Esophageal cancer in young people is often not detected early because the initial symptoms are unclear or easily mistaken for common digestive issues like acid reflux. This delay in diagnosis typically results in the disease being discovered in later stages, when treatment options become less effective and survival rates decrease significantly.

4. High risk of complications
   Esophageal cancer can lead to severe complications such as esophageal obstruction, difficulty swallowing, rapid weight loss, pain, and the potential spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. These complications can greatly diminish the quality of life and significantly impact the patient's health.

Why is this concerning?

Esophageal cancer in young people is a major health concern because:

• The incidence is rising rapidly: The increasing number of young people diagnosed with esophageal cancer, surpassing even colorectal cancer, highlights a disturbing shift in risk factors.

• Difficult to detect and treat early: Due to the vague symptoms and lack of attention to them, many cases of esophageal cancer in young people are not detected until later stages, making treatment more challenging and expensive.

• Long-term impact on health and quality of life: This disease can severely affect the ability to eat and perform daily activities, causing long-lasting health issues and potentially threatening life.

Preventive measures:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, limit processed foods and stimulants like alcohol and tobacco.

• Exercise regularly: Keep your weight stable and maintain good physical fitness to reduce the risk of cancer.

• Regular health check-ups: Monitor for any abnormal symptoms in your body to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Esophageal cancer in young people is a serious health issue, and awareness and lifestyle changes are crucial in reducing the risk of developing this disease.