Staying physically active isn’t just about weight control anymore. No, being physically fit is increasingly seen as a way to stave off serious illness – including some types of cancer.

Obesity in adults is linked to increased risks of esophageal cancer, a nasty disease that’s on the rise in the US, Europe and Israel. Researchers have now discovered that being overweight earlier in life may also influence cancer risks.

Aspirin is an intriguing medicine because it helps to control inflammation, which plays a big role in a number of diseases — including cancer. So does aspirin help prevent and treat certain types of cancer?

If you’ve ever had heartburn, you know it can be very uncomfortable. Ongoing heartburn, a symptom of acid reflux, can progress to a condition called Barrett esophagus, which can eventually lead to cancer. A recent literature review analyzed the best way to manage Barrett esophagus to avoid cancer.

It’s well known that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer. The virus is also associated with other genital cancers, as well as anal cancer. But another cancer may be added to this list.

Sometimes clinical trials have to be stopped because the therapy being tested does more harm than good. This is what happened in recent esophageal cancer study.

Red meat and processed meats have come under fire lately. Diets loaded with hamburgers, pork chops, bacon, hotdogs and pot roast are associated with heart disease and increased risks of certain cancers. 

Doctors have known for a while that radiation given in addition to chemotherapy and surgery helps esophageal cancer patients live longer. What hasn’t been well understood is the best time a patient should receive this treatment – before or after surgery.

Patients who have esophageal cancer can also have what's known as multiple primary cancers (MPC). These cancers appear before or at the same time as the esophageal cancer.

Cancers of the esophagus and stomach often require treatment with more than one type of chemotherapy agent. Researchers now know which medication is best if initial, or first-line, therapy fails.