Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the high prevalence of esophageal cancer in China, attributing it to dietary habits and lifestyle choices, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and screening for high-risk populations [3][5][27]. Group 1: Esophageal Cancer Prevalence - China accounts for over half of the global esophageal cancer cases, with more than 75% of the world's patients located in Asia [7][9]. - The incidence rate of esophageal cancer in China is approximately 38.37 cases per 100,000 people, with a significantly higher rate in men at 56.20 cases per 100,000 [9][11]. - Rural areas in China exhibit a higher incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer, approximately double that of urban areas [11][12]. Group 2: Risk Factors - Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits such as high-temperature and spicy food consumption [19][22]. - A study indicates that individuals with "hot food" and "spicy food" eating habits have a 1.9 times and 1.5 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, respectively [23][25]. - The consumption of pickled foods, which are prevalent in high-incidence regions, is linked to increased cancer risk due to high salt content and the presence of carcinogenic substances [25][26]. Group 3: Survival Rates and Detection - The five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer in China is only 28.8%, significantly lower than that of other cancers like gastric and colorectal cancer [28][31]. - Early detection is crucial, as many patients do not seek medical attention until the disease is advanced, making timely diagnosis and treatment challenging [32][33]. - Regular endoscopic screenings are recommended for high-risk individuals, particularly those over 45 years old or with a family history of esophageal cancer [33][36].

以下文章来源于网易数读 ，作者网易数读 网易数读 . 网易旗下栏目，用数据说话。 全球一半的食管癌在中国。 文 ｜ 维克托 库洛洛 编辑 ｜ 秋瞳 麦土豆 来源｜ 网易数读（ID: datablog163） 封面来源 ｜ IC photo 每个中国孩子都听过两句话，一句是盖肚脐，另一句叫趁热吃。 吃饭趁热、多喝热水，几乎成了刻在人们骨子里的执念。如果几天没吃上热饭，就觉得浑身不得劲儿，吃多了白人饭，更是怀疑自己会不会气虚宫寒。 但爱吃热食甚至烫食的习惯，让中国人不知不觉间离一种顽疾更进一步。无论是患病人数还是死亡人数，中国都是全球食管癌第一大国，患病率也居全球前 列 [1] 。 我们平常很少留意食管这个部位，但这地方癌变起来是相当痛苦的。最典型的症状是吃东西时吞咽困难，严重时连水都喝不下 [3] 。 在中国，食管癌是最常见的消化道恶性肿瘤之一， 发病率及死亡率分别列全部恶性肿瘤的第六位和第四位 [3] 。 特别的是，从全球来看，食管癌发病的地域特征很明显，是一个典型的 "亚洲病"。 全球疾病负担（ Global Burden of Disease ）的数据显示， 2021 年，全世界的食管癌患病人数约有 10 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the high prevalence of esophageal cancer in China, attributing it to dietary habits, particularly the consumption of hot and spicy foods, as well as the impact of lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Group 1: Esophageal Cancer Prevalence - China accounts for over half of the global esophageal cancer cases, with more than 90% being squamous cell carcinoma [10][8] - The incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in China rank sixth and fourth among all malignancies, respectively [7][9] - In 2021, the incidence rate in China was 38.37 per 100,000, with men being nearly three times more likely to be affected than women [15][10] 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 [18][14] - High-risk regions include areas around the Taihang Mountains and parts of Jiangsu, Sichuan, and Guangdong [19][20] - The standardized mortality rate is highest in Jiangsu at 21.62 per 100,000, followed by Sichuan and Henan [21][20] Group 3: Dietary and Lifestyle Factors - Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutritional intake [24][27] - Hot and spicy food consumption is linked to higher cancer risk, with studies indicating that individuals with these dietary habits have a 1.9 times higher risk [31][29] - The World Health Organization classifies beverages above 65°C as a potential carcinogen, with common Chinese foods often exceeding this temperature [30][9] Group 4: Survival Rates and Detection Challenges - The five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer in China is only 28.8%, significantly lower than other cancers [41][44] - Early detection is challenging due to the asymptomatic nature of early-stage esophageal cancer, leading to late diagnoses [45][41] - Recommendations for screening include endoscopic examinations for high-risk individuals aged 45 and above [47][41]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the health risks associated with consuming hot food and beverages, particularly the increased risk of esophageal cancer due to long-term habits of eating and drinking at high temperatures [1][3]. Group 1: Risks of Hot Food and Beverages - Regular consumption of very hot food and drinks can lead to repeated burns of the esophageal mucosa, increasing the risk of cancer [4][6]. - The World Health Organization classifies beverages above 65°C as a Group 2A carcinogen, indicating a potential cancer risk [6]. Group 2: Dietary Habits Contributing to Esophageal Cancer - Heavy seasoning and consumption of pickled foods, which contain nitrites, can elevate the risk of esophageal cancer [7][9]. - Eating too quickly can cause injuries to the esophagus, as food may not be chewed properly, leading to potential mucosal damage [9][10]. - Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant contributors to esophageal cancer risk, as both substances can harm the esophageal lining [10][12]. Group 3: Symptoms Indicating Potential Esophageal Cancer - Early symptoms of esophageal cancer may include a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, which can occur regardless of eating [13]. - Difficulty swallowing solid foods can progress to challenges with liquids, indicating worsening conditions [14]. - Pain behind the sternum may occur, particularly related to eating, and should be differentiated from other conditions like coronary heart disease [16]. - Persistent hoarseness may arise if the cancer compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve [17]. Group 4: High-Risk Groups and Screening Recommendations - Individuals aged 45 and older, especially those with a family history of esophageal cancer or specific lifestyle habits, are considered high-risk and should undergo regular screenings [19][21]. - Initial endoscopic examinations should be followed up based on findings, with intervals ranging from one to five years depending on the results [21].