中国人最爱的生活方式，正在疯狂致癌

Core Viewpoint - China accounts for half of the global esophageal cancer cases, with a significant burden due to dietary habits and lifestyle choices [6][11][12]. Group 1: Esophageal Cancer Overview - Esophageal cancer originates from the epithelial lining of the esophagus and is one of the most common digestive tract malignancies in China, ranking sixth in incidence and fourth in mortality among all cancers [7][9]. - In 2021, there were approximately 1 million esophageal cancer patients worldwide, with over 75% located in Asia, and China having the highest number of cases and deaths [11]. - The incidence rate in China is 38.37 per 100,000, with men being nearly three times more likely to be affected than women [15]. Group 2: Regional and Demographic Disparities - Rural areas in China have a significantly higher incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer, approximately double that of urban areas [17]. - High-risk regions include areas near the Taihang Mountains and parts of Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Guangdong, with Jiangsu having the highest standardized mortality rate at 21.62 per 100,000 [21][12]. Group 3: Dietary and Lifestyle Factors - Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition, with specific dietary habits such as consuming hot and spicy foods linked to higher incidence rates [23][25]. - Studies indicate that individuals with habits of consuming hot foods and spicy diets have a 1.9 times and 1.5 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, respectively [28]. - The consumption of pickled foods, which are prevalent in high-incidence regions, is associated with increased cancer risk due to high salt content and the presence of carcinogenic substances like nitrosamines [29][30]. Group 4: Survival Rates and Early Detection - The five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer in China is only 28.8%, significantly lower than other cancers, primarily due to late diagnosis [32][36]. - Early detection through endoscopic screening can dramatically improve survival rates, with a reported 90% five-year survival rate for early-stage patients [39][40]. - The National Health Commission recommends regular screenings for high-risk populations, particularly those over 45 years old or with a family history of the disease [40].