Oesophageal cancer - Preventing oesophageal cancer
- Introduction
- Symptoms of oesophageal cancer
- Causes of oesophageal cancer
- Diagnosing oesophageal cancer
- Treating oesophageal cancer
- Preventing oesophageal cancer
- Living with oesophageal cancer
- 'I just wanted to know what could be done about it'
Certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of getting oesophageal cancer.
Give up smoking
As well as being a significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer, smoking is also a major contributor to many serious diseases such as heart disease and lung cancer, and is the biggest cause of death and illness in the UK.
If you decide to stop smoking, your GP can refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will provide dedicated help and advice about the best ways to give up smoking. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1014. The specially trained helpline staff offer free expert advice and encouragement.
If you are committed to giving up smoking but do not want to be referred to a stop smoking service, your GP should be able to prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms you may experience after quitting.
Read more information about getting help to stop smoking.
Alcohol
Alcohol is another significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer, as well as for other serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke and liver disease.
The maximum recommended daily limits of alcohol consumption are:
- 3-4 units of alcohol for men
- 2-3 units for women
A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.
Read more information about alcohol and drinking, including tips on cutting down.
Lose weight
If you need to lose excess weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy, balanced diet can help. If you are very overweight or obese, losing weight will help lower your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus.
The most successful weight loss programmes include at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as cycling or fast walking) every week, eating smaller portions and only having healthy snacks between meals. A gradual weight loss of around 0.5kg (1.1lb) a week is usually recommended.
Read more about obesity and losing weight.
A low fat, high fibre diet that includes whole grains and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) is recommended.
Read more information about healthy eating.
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