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• Esophageal cancer is a cancer of the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. People who have gastroesophageal reflux disease are at risk for esophageal cancer due to damage caused by acid reflux.

  A study published in May 2009 signaled a new approach to preventing esophageal cancer. A condition known as Barrett's esophagus can cause the proliferation of pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus.Associated Press: Study: Heat effective in treating throat condition (May 27, 2009) In the study, only one percent of Barrets patients who had the cells removed with a heating procedure went on to develop esophageal cancer, compared to nine percent of patients who did not.Associated Press: Study: Heat effective in treating throat condition (May 27, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Also called: Esophagus cancer
  2. Diet and lifestyle can help prevent
  3. More common in menMayoClinic.com: Esophageal Cancer: Risk Factors
  4. Most cases occur in people ages 55-70MayoClinic.com: Esophageal Cancer: Risk Factors

• United States Statistics

  • New cases: Estimated 16,470 in 2008NCI: Esophageal Cancer
  • Deaths: Estimated 14,280 in 2008NCI: Esophageal Cancer
  • White survival rate: 18%ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Esophagus?
  • African American survival rate: 11%ACS: What Are the Key Statistics About Cancer of the Esophagus?

• Symptoms

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Heartburn
  • Choking

• Risk Factors

  • Age: 44-70
  • Male
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Diet low in fruit and vegetables
  • Occupational hazards
  • Frequently drink hot liquids

• Detection

  Esophageal cancer does not usually present symptoms until late stages of the disease. While in the past the prognosis for people with esophageal cancer was daunting, research has greatly improved survival rates to date. This mostly stems from Barrett's esophagus monitoring, which helps detect premalignant cancer.ECAA: EC - What is it?

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have esophageal cancer, please make sure to consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Cancer | Throat Cancer | Oral Cancer | Heartburn | GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | Barrett's Esophagus | HPV - Human Papillomavirus | Obesity | Alcohol | Alcoholism | Smoking | Hiatal Hernia | Digestive System

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