THIS common digestive issue could be a warning sign of a rare cancer
Persistent heartburn, often dismissed, could signal esophageal cancer, a condition affecting the food passage. Early detection is crucial due to late-stage symptom onset. Chronic heartburn, linked to GERD and Barrett's esophagus, elevates cancer risk. Consult a doctor for persistent heartburn, especially with swallowing issues or weight loss, particularly if you have risk factors like smoking or obesity.
People often tend to dismiss heartburn as a common digestive issue; however, it could be a warning sign of a rare cancer. Yes, that's right. Persistent heartburn, which is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, could be a clear warning sign of a rarer and aggressive form of cancer - esophageal cancer.
Catching the symptoms early on is crucial for treatment outcomes.
What is esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in tissues lining the esophagus, which is the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. It is the 10th most common cancer in the world. There are two types of esophageal cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma: cancer that begins in flat cells lining the esophagus
Adenocarcinoma: cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids
What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer
People often get diagnosed because of the presence of symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society.
The chances of cancer being found accidentally are more unlikely.
However, what makes this cancer especially crucial is that most of the esophageal cancers do not cause symptoms until advanced.
Some of the common symptoms include:
Pain in the throat or back, behind your breastbone, or between the shoulder blades
Trouble swallowing
Chest pain
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Heartburn
Hoarseness
Unintentional weight loss
The heartburn-cancer connection
Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the
esophagus
. Though occasional episodes are normal, chronic heartburn is often linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause serious complications.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Tìm hiểu thêm
Undo
Prolonged GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where the esophageal lining changes, increasing the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
When acid repeatedly irritates the esophagus, it can trigger cellular changes. Over time, these changes may become precancerous and, in some cases, develop into cancer.
When to consult a doctor
If the
heartburn
persists for weeks or occurs multiple times a week, it needs to be checked. If the heartburn is accompanied by other red flags such as difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, unexplained weight loss, or vomiting blood, it's time to see a doctor. Men over 50, especially smokers, and those with obesity or a family history of esophageal cancer are at higher risk.
Ronnie McDowell RUSHED to Hospital Mid-Show; Sudden Health Crisis STUNS Fans | WATCH
Other risk factors include:
Tobacco use
Alcohol use
Obesity
Barrett's esophagus and chronic acid reflux
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
History of cancer
Other disorders (e.g., achalasia, tylosis)
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals
Disclaimer
: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Young and fit dropping dead: A sector comes into focus
The recent death of Shefali Jariwala , best known for the 2002 chartbuster ' Kaanta Laga ', due to cardiac arrest, has again brought to light the increasing trend of young, healthy and fit Indians suddenly dying of heart attack. In the past few years, several celebrities, such as Sidharth Shukla and Puneeth Rajkumar , have died due to cardiac issues. Heart attack incidents which used to affect mainly older adults now appear with increasing frequency among people under 50 years of age. The epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in India has created a lot of awareness about timely diagnosis among people which puts the focus on an emerging segment in India's healthcare sector -- diagnostics. India's diagnostics sector is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a fragmented business to a structured and tech-driven industry. Recently, Amazon announced its foray into the diagnostics space, marking a defining moment in this evolution. With an estimated market size of $25 billion and rapid growth, diagnostics is emerging as one of the most promising segments in Indian healthcare. But what triggered this boom? What forces are shaping its future? And is there a link to the rise in sudden heart attacks among India's young population? Changing mindsets and a pandemic-led shift Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Per i già clienti mobile TIM, Fibra fino a 2,5 Gbps, internet e chiamate illimitate da 24,90€/mese TIM Scopri di più Undo The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst that brought diagnostics to the forefront of healthcare. Once seen as a backend service, diagnostic testing has now become integral to proactive health management. More Indians are choosing routine screenings and preventive tests over symptomatic treatment. The shift in mindset, from illness-based to wellness-based healthcare, has been profound. This behavioral transformation laid the groundwork for diagnostics to flourish across urban and semi-urban India. During the pandemic, diagnostic players were overloaded with work. Their bottom lines were getting better every single quarter. Between FY20 and FY22 – in just two years – literally all the companies saw a growth of more than 50% in absolute revenue numbers, as per a recent ET report. Once the pandemic ended, the workload returned to normal. The cash generated during Covid was utilized by different companies in different ways. Some used it to reduce their debt burden, others used it for expansion, using the cash for mergers that turned them from regional to national players. Live Events Post-pandemic, the demand for diagnostic services has surged, not only because of higher health awareness but also due to the lingering effects of the virus, which prompted many to seek tests related to heart health, respiratory function, and immune markers. India's recent diagnostics growth is also closely linked to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, hypertension and cancer are being detected at younger ages and are increasingly prevalent even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This has naturally escalated the demand for laboratory tests and imaging services. There has been a noted increase in sudden heart attacks among young and seemingly fit Indians, especially post-COVID. While there is no direct data attributing this to the boom in diagnostics, the phenomenon has contributed to an increase in cardiovascular screenings such as lipid profiles, ECGs and stress tests. As more individuals seek to understand their cardiac risk, diagnostics have become a proactive tool for early detection. The Indian diagnostics sector is transitioning rapidly from unorganised, standalone labs to structured, pan-India diagnostic chains. Organised players such as Dr Lal PathLabs , Metropolis, Thyrocare and SRL Diagnostics are increasing their footprints through franchise models and acquisitions. Organised diagnostic labs currently command around 15% market share but this is rising steadily, according to a recent report by PhillipCapital. The market is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with hospital-based labs holding a 37% share and unorganized standalone labs controlling the remaining 48%. Amazon India's recent launch of its diagnostics service in collaboration with Orange Health Labs is a significant milestone for the sector. The service, currently available in six major cities and 450+ PIN codes, offers over 800 tests with home sample collection in under 60 minutes and reports delivered within six hours. This entry not only validates the sector's growth potential but also intensifies competition. Following Amazon's announcement, shares of major diagnostic players like Dr Lal PathLabs and Metropolis fell by up to 3%, reflecting market concerns about pricing pressures and customer retention. Amazon brings scale, tech infrastructure and a convenience-first model, which could redefine customer expectations in diagnostics, especially in urban centers. One of the most promising aspects of the diagnostics sector is its expansion beyond metros. Non-metro cities are witnessing an annual growth rate of 20–25% in diagnostics demand, compared to 10% in metro cities. Rising health awareness, increasing affluence, and better insurance penetration are enabling residents in smaller towns to opt for preventive testing. Organised players are aggressively entering these markets, setting up franchise labs, mobile collection centers and even partnering with local clinics to provide high-quality testing services. The demand surge from rural and semi-urban areas is expected to play a pivotal role in the sector's growth trajectory over the next five years. Recently, Suraksha Diagnostics said it will invest Rs 200 crore to set up over 20 advanced imaging centres across eastern India. The plan, which will be executed in collaboration with United Imaging, is aimed at expanding access to advanced diagnostic services in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, enhancing both affordability and healthcare quality in smaller towns and semi-urban regions, it said. The Indian government's healthcare initiatives, particularly Ayushman Bharat, have improved access to diagnostics for a broader population. Additionally, state-level Public-Private Partnership models in radiology, such as the Punjab government's tie-up with private players for operating MRI and CT scan centers, are helping bridge infrastructure gaps. Health insurance is also becoming more inclusive of diagnostics, covering pre-emptive testing and annual health checks. As out-of-pocket expenses decline, more individuals are accessing regular testing services, further supporting sectoral growth. What lies ahead for the diagnostic sector India's diagnostics sector remains under-penetrated compared to global standards. When measured by the number of tests conducted per person each year, India lags far behind other developing nations such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia--even though India has the largest population in the world. This indicates that there is still a huge untapped demand for diagnostics services in the country, as per the PhillipCapital report. The diagnostic sector in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14% through FY2028, according to the PhillipCapital report. Radiology services alone are projected to expand from $7.1 billion in FY2025 to $13.5 billion by FY2030. The expansion will be led by increased adoption of AI in medical imaging, growth in home-based testing and broader genomic and personalised medicine offerings. However, challenges remain. Pricing pressures from new entrants like Amazon, quality standardisation in smaller labs and the need for improved regulation and accreditation are ongoing issues. The government and industry will need to work in tandem to ensure that growth does not compromise accuracy or ethics. The Indian diagnostics sector is no longer an auxiliary healthcare service. It is becoming a central pillar of the country's healthcare ecosystem. Driven by lifestyle changes, epidemiological shifts, digital innovation, and consumer demand, the sector is poised for sustained expansion. Amazon's entry marks a shift from traditional models to a more consumer-focused, tech-enabled and scalable diagnostic future. While the rise in sudden heart attacks among the young has brought cardiovascular diagnostics into focus, the sector's momentum is supported by a much broader wave of preventive health consciousness sweeping the nation. Diagnostics in India is not just booming; it is evolving and preparing to redefine how 1.4 billion people manage their health.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
'Ooyala' comes to the rescue of unwanted babies in Telangana's Karimnagar
HYDERABAD: The govt's "Ooyala initiative" or "Cradle initiative" in hospitals to prevent unwanted children from being abandoned in nalas and garbage dumps is beginning to show results in Karimnagar district. The authorities have set up a 'Cradle Baby Reception Centre' at five hospitals with a prominently displayed assurance that no questions would be asked and they would not be identified if they left the baby there. On Saturday, a 15-month-old boy was left in a cradle at the Matha Sishu Hospital also called Mother and Child Health Care Hospital in Karimnagar on Saturday. The boy was later shifted to the Sishu Gruha. "We are conducting medical tests to check the overall health of the baby," District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) D Parveen told TOI on Monday. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad DCPO Parveen said there was also one more instance three weeks ago of a baby being left in a cradle at another centre. "That baby is also being provided medical care," she said. On May 12, Karimnagar collector Pamela Satpathy had inaugurated the 'ooyala' (cradle) at MCH. She had appealed to mothers not to abandon unwanted babies, but to place them in the cradle so that they can be later given for legal adoption. The cradles were set up at the MCH, Govt General Hospital at Karimnagar, and govt hospitals at Jammikunta, Huzurabad and Choppadandi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Delhi to Australia Batik Airlines Book Now Undo Earlier, a three-month-old boy abandoned at a railway platform in Peddapalli district was also brought to the Sishu Vihar in Karimnagar. "We are glad the baby's health is fine. The baby is fit to be given away in adoption through the process decided by the Central Adoption Resource Authority," an official said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Fatty liver: Doctor suggests 5 simple exercises to check if you are fit
Fatty liver is more than just a liver problem—it's a big red flag for your overall heart and metabolic health. You may think it's harmless fat sitting quietly in your liver, but it's not. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is now being renamed to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is strongly linked to issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. When fat builds up in your liver, it messes with how your body handles insulin and sugar, which can increase inflammation and raise your risk for strokes and heart attacks. The scary part? You may not even feel symptoms until it's too late. Recently, Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as TheLiverDoc, posted about fatty liver, how it is related to cardiometabolic health and simple tests to know if one is healthy and fit or not. "The best treatment for fatty liver disease is to prevent it by improving your cardiometabolic health. Here is a small list of tasks that I advise my patients to undergo to assess their "fitness" before I prescribe exercise for treating fatty liver," he has posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He recommends the following exercises: The One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test The One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1-MSTS) is a quick and simple way to assess lower body strength and functional capacity. To perform it, sit on a sturdy chair about 45 cm high with your arms crossed over your chest. On the signal 'go,' stand up fully and sit back down repeatedly for 60 seconds—without using your hands. Count how many full stands you complete. For adults aged 45–59, fewer than 14 stands indicates low functional capacity, while more than 20 stands is considered a good result. It's a powerful home test to check mobility, endurance, and overall leg strength. The Three-Minute Step Test The Three-Minute Step Test is a simple way to evaluate cardiovascular fitness and recovery. Using a 12-inch (30 cm) step or stair, step up and down in a rhythmic pattern—up-up, down-down—for 3 minutes at a pace of 24 steps per minute. Immediately after, sit down, locate your pulse, and count your heartbeats from 30 to 60 seconds after exercise. For individuals aged 40–49, a recovery pulse over 96 beats per minute may indicate reduced physical fitness and strength due to inactivity. A recovery pulse at or below 80 bpm is considered a good sign of cardiovascular health. The Forearm Plank Hold The Forearm Plank Hold is a simple yet effective test of core strength and muscular endurance. To perform it, lie face down on the floor with elbows directly under your shoulders. Lift your body so it forms a straight line from ears to heels, engaging your core and keeping hips level—no sagging or lifting. Hold the position as long as you can. For adults aged 40–59, holding less than 30 seconds may indicate poor fitness, while holding between 90 to 120 seconds reflects very good endurance. This test helps gauge core stability, a key element in overall functional fitness. The Wall-Sit Test The Wall-Sit Test, also known as the Isometric Squat Test, evaluates lower-body strength and endurance. To perform it, stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart and about 60 cm forward. Slide down until your knees form a 90° angle, keeping your back flat against the wall and arms crossed. Hold this position as long as possible without breaking form. For adults aged 40–59, holding for less than 30 seconds indicates poor lower-body fitness, while holding for more than 75 seconds reflects strong endurance. This test helps assess leg strength crucial for mobility and injury prevention. The Modified Push-Up to Fatigue test The Modified Push-Up to Fatigue test evaluates upper body and core strength, particularly for adults aged 40–59. To perform it, start on your knees with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor, then push back up, keeping a straight line from head to knees. Repeat continuously until you can no longer maintain proper form. Completing fewer than 10–12 reps suggests low strength, while more than 25 is considered above average. This test is a simple yet effective way to measure muscular endurance and assess functional fitness in middle age. He also suggests to first, stop immediately and seek medical attention if you experience dizziness, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath during any activity. These quick tests are not a substitute for a professional, graded lab test, but they can reveal weak links in your everyday physical ability. If you fail more than one of these simple benchmarks, it's a clear sign that you need to prioritize regular physical activity. Investing in movement today may significantly impact your long-term health, quality of life, and longevity. It's never too late to start taking care, he says. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
