Can long-term self-induced vomiting lead to esophageal and stomach cancer?

Long-term induced vomiting carries a certain risk of developing esophageal cancer and stomach cancer.

This usually refers to using tools such as tongue depressors or disposable suction catheters to assist patients in vomiting, a method commonly used in emergency treatment for food poisoning or drug ingestion. However, blindly inducing vomiting over a long period may negatively affect health. For example, increased gastric acid secretion and acid reflux may damage the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach. Repeated cycles of injury and repair can lead to epithelial cell metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia in the local mucosa, potentially causing malignant transformation of the esophageal or gastric mucosa and resulting in esophageal or stomach cancer.

In daily life, one should avoid blindly inducing vomiting to prevent harm to health. If any physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.