E sophageal cancer has been on the rise with statistics showing it to be the sixth most common cancer of the digestive system in this country. Scientists have linked the increase to obesity -- but now researchers have found another potential culprit, raising some very interesting questions and providing yet another example of the consequences of symptom-specific medical treatment. What is it? The H. pylori bacteria -- the same one that has been found to be at the root of gastric ulcers.

Study coauthors Farin Kamangar, a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute, and Farhad Islami of the University of Tehran in Iran, conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies exploring the association between H. pylori, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, both common forms of esophageal cancer. The researchers found that people who harbored a specific type of H. pylori were 56% less likely to get esophageal adenocarcinoma as those who did not harbor the strain. The research was published in the October issue of Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

CONSEQUENCES OF ERADICATING H. PYLORI

The research suggests that this particular kind of H. pylori bacteria may lower the risk of developing one type of esophageal cancer, Dr. Kamangar said, noting that the "prominent decline" of H. pylori colonization in the past few decades as a result of modern sanitation methods and the widespread use of antibiotics might be a factor in the rise of esophageal cancers.

Dr. Kamangar explained that they don't understand how H. pylori protects against EAC. It may be related to the fact that it causes the stomach to produce less acid, resulting in less acid reflux. Chronic acid reflux can lead to a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, a known precondition to EAC. Another possibility is that H. pylori may lower levels of ghrelin, a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the appetite... however, killing the bacteria in turn may lead to more obesity, which is another important risk factor for EAC.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately two-thirds of the world’s population harbor H. pylori in our digestive systems, most with no symptoms. When people do experience H. pylori symptoms, which can occur with a lowered immune system or certain lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking, it usually manifests as gastritis (nausea, vomiting, indigestion) or duodenal or gastric ulcers (burning pain in the abdomen). Guidelines state that people who are suffering painful symptoms should indeed be treated... but if you are found to have the bacteria with no symptoms, it’s likely better to let it be.

It’s becoming a familiar theme, isn’t it? Maintaining a healthy balance of "good" and "bad" digestive bacteria may be the best defense against diseases such as EAC, stomach cancer and ulcers. Do this by eating a well-balanced diet that includes foods containing the probiotics Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium (in yogurt and fermented milk products)... chewing food thoroughly... limiting fluids with meals... avoiding acid-suppressant drugs... getting plenty of rest and exercise... and avoiding habits that can stress the immune system, such as drinking alcohol and smoking. Also, some recent studies indicate that cranberry products may help to combat H. pylori infections.