September Emphasis on Cancer

Are you a white man older than 60?  Are you or have you ever been overweight?  Have you suffered from heartburn, GERD, or gastric reflux?  If so, you are at risk for Esophageal Cancer?

Lots of emphasis on Cancer Research this month.  Lots of fundraising going on.  But regardless of the influx of cash for cancer research there is still much to be done.  I am not a cancer expert but I can speak to my own particular beast, Esophageal Cancer.

A key to surviving cancer is early detection, but early detection of esophageal cancer is almost always accidental.  In my case, it was not detected until I had trouble swallowing.  My doctor referred me to a GI Doctor for an upper endoscopy.  I was expecting to hear that I had some bands in my esophagus needed expanding.  Instead, my gastroenterologist was forced to say those awful words, "John, you have cancer."  This was July 18, 2011.  A few days later I was staged 4a.  My tumor was already 3 1/2 inches long.

Unfortunately, the only way to detect EC is biopsy or sight and this means an upper endoscopy.  Early detection almost always happens with an examination for an unrelated symptom.  The reason EC is so awful is because it is generally diagnosed too late.  The majority of the folks I talk to were not diagnosed until they were stage 3 or 4.  Upper endoscopy's are relatively inexpensive, but insurance companies are less than willing to allow them as diagnostic tools. For one reason, EC is relatively rare.

What if a blood marker for EC were discovered?  How about a mixture you could swallow that would point to the presence of EC?  I guess a CAT scan does this, but let's look for a less expensive test.  Could we make biopsies part of the protocol on every upper endoscopy?  This would early detect many EC's.   These are a couple of examples of EC research into early detection.

A cure for EC is in the future but early detection can be now.  Your donations into cancer research are helping to make early detection a reality.

Here is an article about EC and early detection.  It is from the website linked here:   http://www.kjonline.com
********

September 12

Esophageal cancer can be difficult to diagnose

Letter to the Editor

In 2006, Gov. John Baldacci proclaimed Sept. 13 Maine's Esophageal Cancer Awareness Day.

Since then, many Mainers have taken positive steps to ensure their good health by educating themselves about this horrific form of cancer.
Esophageal cancer is still regarded as rare, even though it has grown 800 percent since the late 1980s. It is more common in men than women in this country, and is more common in men older than 65.
The American Cancer Association estimates that this year 17,460 new cases will be diagnosed and 15,070 people with the disease will die. This statistic is sickening.
Because of a lack of clear symptoms, it is usually difficult to diagnose esophageal cancer.
The most common symptoms are gastroesophageal reflux disease, chest pain unrelated to eating, weight loss, vomiting blood, and difficulty swallowing liquids or solids. By the time swallowing problems arise, the cancer usually is in stage 3 or 4.
This was the case with my late husband, John. He lived only four months after his diagnosis.
Much has been learned since 2006 about esophageal cancer, its treatment and results; however, much more research is needed.
If you, or anyone you know, has experienced the above symptoms, please contact your physician.
A few simple tests can save lives.
Connie Corrigan
Former board member, Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association
Wells