cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/50633023
Scientists have found the strongest evidence to date that a condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus is the starting point for all cases of oesophageal adenocarcinoma – the most common type of oesophageal cancer in the developed world – even when telltale signs of this pre-cancerous stage are no longer visible.
Point of interest:
Barrett’s esophagus is commonly associated with long-standing GORD/reflux. One of the better ways to improve or control GORD in people who are overweight is weight loss. Excess abdominal fat can raise pressure inside the abdomen and worsen backflow, which is why left-side sleeping is often recommended for nocturnal reflux
Of course, not all GORD is caused by central adiposity; for example, a hiatus hernia may contribute and is associated with weakening of the diaphragmatic hiatus, age-related tissue changes, and repeated increases in intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing, vomiting, straining, or heavy lifting.
Even so, excess weight - especially central adiposity - tends to worsen reflux rather than help it.
TL;DR: if you have reflux, are over the age of 40 and are overweight…get that shit sorted. Uncontrolled GORD can and does lead to Barrett’s esophagus.
Two other major risk factors are caffeine and alcohol intake. Both relax the stomach sphincter if taken too close to bed time and cause chronic inflammation and hence cancer.
Another trick is to elevate the head of the bed a few inches.
Yes.
And thank you for saying “elevate the head of the bed” rather than just “elevate your head” - lifting the whole upper body/torso works much better than just adding pillows under the head. Stacking pillows can just bend the neck instead of actually elevating the torso. For some, that makes snoring / sleep-disordered breathing worse. A double whammy.
Bodies are ridiculous. Worst. Idea. Ever. :/
Huh? Hasn’t this been known for years and years already? This isn’t groundbreaking. I was taught this in school many years ago.
Awww! I saw the thumbnail and briefly thought Susan Collins had osophageal cancer. Bummer.
Not sure who that Susan is, but wishing for someone to get cancer? Really?
Yes. She’s a politically traitorous cunt.
I thought oesophageal cancer was only in opossums
