Famous 59-year-old actress shocks with esophageal cancer, warns that just “eating hot food” is a risk factor
Fang Wen Lin, 59, a famous Taiwanese singer and actress, revealed on social media yesterday (September 25) that she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in late June. Based on her past lifestyle habits, she believes that drinking distilled alcohol before going to bed and liking to eat hot soup are risk factors that cause her to develop the disease.
Fang Wenlin, who loves running, is considered by many to be a healthy person. She revealed that she has not had a health check-up in three years. The last time she had a full health check-up was at the end of June this year. “My intention is to not have any major problems with my colon and stomach, because my family has a history of colon and stomach cancer. As for the other things, I don’t really care and didn’t pay attention to the report the doctor gave me to go home that day.”
The next day, her daughter read the medical report and noticed red letters indicating suspicion of esophageal cancer. She examined it carefully and compared it to the report from 3 years ago. “There were red letters warning about a cancer index as high as 7 points (normal is 0-3) and for smokers (4-5). I thought that was impossible. Two days later, the doctor called with blood test results that the cancer index was as high as 9.8, but that the biopsy results would have to wait for another 2 days.”
Waiting for the test results was a difficult time. Fang Wenlin and her daughter each searched for information about the causes of esophageal cancer, treatment methods, and survival rates. “One night, after my daughter came into the room, she cried. Mom shouldn’t be like this. This cancer almost only occurs in men, but Mom got it. I replied that if it happens, she must accept it. Even if the outcome is not good, Mom’s life is already great enough.”
Fang Wenlin looked back at her eating habits, she said: “In the past few years, I have been drinking a little 58-degree kaoliang before going to bed, and I like to eat hot soup. Even if my mouth is scalded or sore, I don’t care, but it damages my esophagus. The key is to drink strong kaoliang!” Fortunately, the test results showed that it was stage zero, and chemotherapy was not needed.
According to the statistics of Taiwan’s Ministry of Health in 20112, esophageal cancer ranked 9th in the top 10 cancer death rates. The 5-year survival rate of esophageal cancer is about 20-25%. However, if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs, the 5-year survival rate drops to less than 5%. This type of cancer is therefore called the “silent killer cancer”.
For example, Andy, a 57-year-old artist, and Yan Kaitai, the 54-year-old chairman of Yulong Group, both died of esophageal cancer. It took about a year for both of them to pass away from their cancer diagnosis.
According to the Taiwan Cancer Foundation, esophageal cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages because food can still pass through the esophagus. But as the cancer grows, it can narrow the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. This is usually found in the later stages. Other symptoms include pain when swallowing, acid reflux, heartburn, and pain in the chest or upper abdomen.
According to a study by the American Cancer Society, risky behaviors that cause esophageal cancer include drinking alcohol, smoking, chewing betel nuts, and eating grilled, pickled, or processed foods. Very hot foods are also risk factors.
Oral hygiene is also important. Research from the University of Louisville in the US and Henan University in China found that 61% of esophageal squamous cell cancer patients had bacteria associated with gingivitis in their mouths. Researchers believe that the bacteria may stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
To prevent esophageal cancer, the Cancer Foundation recommends avoiding eating food that is too hot, refraining from smoking, drinking alcohol, and chewing betel nuts, as well as eating fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C to prevent this disease. If you experience difficulty swallowing for more than two to three weeks, you should see a doctor for a physical examination.
