By Brenda Kayo:
Research has shown that Malawi ranks second among African countries with the highest incidence of oesophageal cancer, according to the UNC Project Malawi.
Pathologist and researcher at the UNC Project Malawi, Dr Shiraz Khan, made this revelation when a team from Boston Scientific in the United States (US) visited Nkhoma area in Lilongwe to conduct an oesophageal cancer awareness campaign.
Khan said that a total of 300 oesophageal cancer cases had been recorded over the past two years, with approximately 299 patients dying within three months.
He added that oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which makes treatment challenging.
“Oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment difficult. However, when it is detected very early, there is a better chance of recovery,” Khan said.
Malawi’s Ambassador to the US, Justice Esme Chombo, who accompanied the team, said that increased awareness and education about this type of cancer are crucial in the fight against it.
Oesophageal cancer develops due to neglected oral health, the consumption of very hot beverages and prolonged alcohol and tobacco use.
The symptoms of oesophageal cancer include pain when swallowing, chest pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), oesophageal cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.
The United Nations health agency reports that, in 2018, there were an estimated 572,000 new cases, leading to approximately 509,000 deaths.
The WHO adds that the incidence of oesophageal cancer varies markedly across different regions, with the highest rates observed in Eastern Asia and Southern and Eastern Africa.
Preventive measures focus on reducing known risk factors, such as tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the consumption of very hot beverages.
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