Diet may also play a role. Diets high in salted, smoked or poorly preserved foods have been associated with increased risk, while lower consumption of fruits and vegetables is also identified as a risk factor.
I
Institut National du Cancer
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer.
Likewise, people without obvious risk factors can still develop the disease.
When should you see a doctor?
The biggest mistake is to assume that every digestive symptom is either harmless or cancer.
Neither assumption is appropriate.
Instead, pay attention to symptoms that are persistent, worsening, unusual for you or accompanied by other warning signs.
The NHS advises seeking medical evaluation for symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a lump in the abdomen, noticeable unexplained weight loss, or digestive symptoms that worsen or fail to improve.
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nhs.uk
You don’t need to diagnose yourself before making an appointment.
That’s the healthcare professional’s job.
