Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the National Health Service (NHS) is working to raise awareness of cancer symptoms in an effort to assist in early disease recognition. Dr. Hussein Abdo, clinical director and pharmacy supervisor at "Medicine Direct," explained that one of the lesser-known signs in the throat may indicate cancer.
A small Irish study in 2006 involving a sample of 99 patients with esophageal cancer found that 27% of them reported episodes of persistent hiccups. However, the reason for these patients experiencing such attacks remains unclear. At the time of the study, chief researcher Thomas Walsh explained that hiccups were previously unrecognized symptoms of esophageal cancer and warranted further investigation. He noted that persistent hiccups—which refers to episodes lasting typically more than 48 hours—were not the most commonly reported symptoms during the study.
The results showed that 68% of participants reported weight loss, and 82% experienced difficulty swallowing, with lethargy identified as a common symptom. Hiccups are caused by sudden spasms of the diaphragm—the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest. According to Dr. Abdo, they are "a common problem that affects everyone from time to time and is usually caused by eating or drinking too quickly or overindulging." However, it may be a sign of cancer if your stomach is not functioning properly and you notice unexplained bloating.
Dr. Abdo clarified that if a tumor presses on the diaphragm, it may lead to spasms. This theory was reiterated by Walsh in 2006, who proposed that hiccups in esophageal cancer patients could be linked to the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. Abdo added, "If a person is experiencing persistent hiccups, they should talk to their doctor. If the doctor does not find a clear reason for it, they may refer the patient for tests like endoscopy, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, or blood tests. Cancer can be detected during these tests."
The survival rate for esophageal cancer is 90% when treated in the early stage after early discovery. Although hiccups may indicate disease, they are considered a relatively rare symptom. The UK Cancer Research Foundation states, "Hiccups are a common problem that we all face from time to time. But when hiccups are a symptom of cancer or a side effect of cancer treatment, they can last longer."
