Did You Know? Video Series
from the National Cancer Institute:
Esophageal Cancer
Did you know that more than 49,000 people
are living with esophageal cancer in the United States?
The esophagus is part of the upper digestive system.
It is a tube that allows food and liquids
to travel from the throat down to the stomach.
Esophageal cancer begins in the inner layer of the esophagus
and spreads outward through the other layers as it grows.
Compared to other cancers, esophageal cancer is relatively rare.
However, it is one of the top 15 causes of cancer death
in the United States.
The two most common types of esophageal cancer
are squamous cell carcinoma
and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma
begins in the flat cells that line the esophagus.
This type of esophageal cancer
tends to form in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma begins in glandular cells
in the lining of the esophagus
that make and release mucus and other fluids.
This type of esophageal cancer
usually forms in the lower part of the esophagus,
near the stomach.
Rates of new cases of squamous cell carcinoma
are higher among men than women.
Since 1991, rates of squamous cell carcinoma
have decreased for both sexes.
It is most common in Blacks, followed by American Indians
and Alaska Natives.
For adenocarcinoma,
rates of new cases are also higher among men than women.
Rates of this subtype have increased for both men and women since 1991.
It is most common in whites,
followed by American Indians and Alaska Natives,
and Hispanics.
Among men, esophageal cancer is most common
among whites,
followed by Non-Hispanics,
American Indians and Alaska Natives,
Blacks,
Hispanics, and Asian and Pacific Islanders.
Among women, esophageal cancer is most common
among Blacks,
followed by whites, and Non-Hispanics
American Indians and Alaska Natives,
Hispanics, and Asian and Pacific Islanders.
Survival is highest
when esophageal cancer is detected at the localized stage,
or before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The survival rate is lower
for people who are diagnosed
after the cancer has spread
to nearby lymph nodes and other organs,
as shown by the regional and distant columns in this graph.
Esophageal cancer can be difficult to diagnose
in the early stages
because there are usually no signs or symptoms
until the cancer is advanced.
In advanced stages,
esophageal cancer can be treated
but is rarely cured.
Taking part in clinical trials
could improve treatment and outcomes.
Symptoms that can be caused by esophageal cancer
or other conditions
include pain or difficulty when swallowing,
weight loss,
pain behind the sternum,
hoarseness and cough,
and indigestion and heartburn.
Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer
include tobacco use,
heavy alcohol use,
an esophageal condition called Barrett's esophagus,
and older age.
Take steps to reduce your cancer risk.
Eat well and don't smoke
or use tobacco.
For answers to your questions
about esophageal cancer,
visit cancer.gov,
or call 1-800-4-CANCER
to connect with information specialists
from NCI's Contact Center.
This free service
is available in both English and Spanish.
For more cancer statistics,
go to seer.cancer.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institutes of Health,
National Cancer Institute.