Obesity and smoking both raise the odds for throat malignancies.
In a study, researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, in Ireland, concluded that high BMI and smoking don’t contribute to the initial development of Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition, but may play a key role in the progression of this disorder to esophageal cancer.
Barrett’s esophagus is a disorder that causes the lining of the esophagus to become damaged as a result of chronic irritation by stomach acid reflux.
“Although there is not an established link between smoking, BMI and Barrett’s esophagus, patients suffering from Barrett’s esophagus should avoid a high BMI and smoking to prevent the development of esophageal cancer,” study senior author Dr. Liam Murray said in a prepared statement.