Malawi ranks second among African countries with the highest incidence of Esophageal Cancer, according to a research conducted by UNC Project-Malawi from 2020 to 2022.
Pathologist-cum-researcher at UNC Project-Malawi, Dr Shiraz Khan, said this when a team from Boston Scientific in USA visited Nkhoma, Lilongwe to conduct an esophageal cancer awareness campaign.
Dr Khan says a total of 300 Esophageal Cancer cases were recorded during the 2020-2022 period and about 299 died within three months.
He said Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage making treatment challenging but when it is found very early, there is a better chance of recovery.
Malawi’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Justice Esme Chombo, said increased awareness and education on that type of cancer are critical in the fight against it.
Esophageal Cancer develops due to neglected oral health, consuming very hot beverages as well as prolonged alcohol and tobacco use. It is symptomised with pain when showering, chest pains, loss of appetite and weight loss.
By Margaret Mapando
