Malawi has the highest number of Esophageal Cancer cases in the world, according a study conducted by African Oesophageal Cancer Consortium (Afrecc) and UNC Project-Malawi conducted from 2020 to 2022, has revealed.
The findings were made public when a team of scientists from the United States of America (USA)-based Boston Scientific and Afrecc engaged communities affected by oesophageal cancer at Nkhoma in Lilongwe District and Khombedza in Salima District.
Speaking on Wednesday during the awareness campaign at Khombedza, UNC Project-Malawi pathologist and researcher Shiraz Khan said 300 cases were recorded in that period, with 299 patients dying within three months of diagnosis.
He said the disease causes serious
damage as it is often detected too late, but added that early diagnosis improves recovery chances.
“The biggest challenge is late detection. By the time most patients come in, the damage is already severe. But if found early, treatment can be more effective and increases the chances of recovery,” said Khan.
On his part, Afrecc founder David Fleischer said the team is conducting an endoscopic screening study in Malawi to help increase the early detection of oesophageal cancer.
“The study is the first of its kind on this particular subject in the world, and it is currently being done only in Malawi. The study will be key in preventing esophageal cancer before it’s too late,” he said.
The endoscopic examination allows patients to swallow a pill that collects an esophagus biopsy in 10 minutes, which is then pulled out for testing.
Fleischer said the goal of the study is to reduce and end esophageal cancer. He encouraged those exposed to early symptoms to get tested.
Boston Scientific group president Art Butcher added that the team has already trained 50 health personnel on how they can take care of patients and conduct endoscopy procedures.
Malawi’s Ambassador to the United States Justice Esme Chombo, who was the guest of honour at the event, said raising awareness and educating people about oesophageal cancer is crucial in the fight against the disease before it claims more lives.
The team also visited Nkhoma area in Lilongwe which, according to the research findings, has high incidence of the cancer alongside Khombedza in Salima.
