Esophageal cancer is an incredibly rare and complex cancer. Experts at the OSUCCC – James are actively researching the underlying causes of esophageal cancer. About four in 100,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year. Over the last two decades, esophageal cancer cases have increased. Therefore, it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with it.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing the condition. When it comes to risk factors, there are some that you can influence, such as your diet, and others, like your age or biological sex, that you can’t.
Some risk factors for esophageal cancer include:
- Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Esophageal cancer is strongly connected to having GERD — a more serious form of acid reflux in which the contents of the stomach back up into the lower part of the esophagus. Having frequent heartburn or having heartburn that lasts for many years and isn’t relieved by over-the-counter or prescription medication could be signs of GERD.
- Having Barrett’s esophagus: Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when the lining of the esophagus is damaged due to persistent acid reflux. The longer someone has reflux, the more likely it is that they will develop Barrett's esophagus. People with Barrett's esophagus are much more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
- Tobacco use: Those who smoke cigarettes are at an increased likelihood of developing esophageal cancer. Using other forms of tobacco such as cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco puts you at an overall increased risk, as well.
- Excessive alcohol use: Drinking alcoholic beverages to excess increases the chance of developing esophageal cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk.
- Being overweight or obese: Obesity is often linked to increased cases of GERD.
- Biological sex: Males assigned at birth are more likely to develop esophageal cancer than females.
It’s important to note that just because you have a risk factor, doesn’t mean you’ll develop the condition. Talk to your doctor if you are at risk.
Esophageal cancer prevention
There are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
- Manage your gastroesophageal reflux or Barrett’s esophagus properly. If you’ve been diagnosed with either, it’s important to work with your doctor to find the right treatment for you. This may include prescribed or over-the-counter acid reflux medications, sleeping modifications, dietary modifications and more. These conditions also may require routine imaging, and in some cases, surgery.
- Stop smoking. Stop smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products. Talk to your doctor about different cessation aids that can help you quit. These cessation aids can include medications or nicotine replacement therapies.
- Avoid alcohol. By not drinking alcohol, you reduce the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Those who are overweight or obese should talk to their doctors about how to achieve a healthy weight to reduce the chances of developing esophageal cancer. Your doctor may recommend specific nutrition plans, medications, behavior modification programs or other therapies to help you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with an esophageal cancer specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.