Experts alarmed by high gullet cancer figures

Feb 05, 2016

Oesophageal cancer commonly known as gullet cancer, mainly affects men who smoke

Cancer experts have called for urgent government attention to the growing cases of oesophageal cancer.

 

Statistics from the Uganda Cancer Institute indicate that 300 new cases of oesophageal cancer are reported annually.

 

An expert in non-communicable diseases at Mulago Referral Hospital Dr. Tom Mwambu said the disease commonly known as gullet cancer, mainly affects men who smoke.

 

Speaking during the mini Cancer Day celebrations at Mulago Hospital, Dr. Mwambu noted  that other causes of the deadly cancer include frequent eating of smoked food mostly fish and meat, drinking spiced tea and drinking very hot tea.

 

"It is the second commonest in men after cervical cancer and it is also common in women too. It is one cancer that is very frustrating because it chokes you and makes you unable to eat and you starve to death" Mwambu said.

 

"It is a cancer that can easily be diagnosed if the population and health workers had a very high index of suspicion" he added.

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