What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus — a long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach.
The esophagus carries food you swallow to your stomach to be digested.
Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. It can occur anywhere along the esophagus, but in people in the United States, it occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus.
More men than women get esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer isn't common in the United States. In Asia and parts of Africa, esophageal cancer is much more common.
Oesophageal Cancer
Risk Factors
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Poor diet low in fruits/vegetables
- Obesity and inactivity
Signs & Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent chest or back pain
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Hoarseness or chronic cough
Prevention
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Treat acid reflux early
- Eat a balanced, plant-rich diet
- Regular checkups if at high risk
Oesophageal Cancer - FAQs
Oesophageal cancer is a disease where malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the oesophagus — the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, responsible for carrying food and liquids.
- Adenocarcinoma: Common in Western countries; affects the lower oesophagus.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: More common worldwide; affects upper/mid oesophagus.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Unintended weight loss
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Hoarseness or persistent cough
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Vomiting or regurgitation of food
- Fatigue or anemia
- Chronic acid reflux / GERD
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Obesity
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Family history
- Endoscopy with biopsy
- Barium swallow X-ray
- CT, PET, or MRI scans
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
If detected early, it may be curable with surgery or combined treatments. Early detection is key to better outcomes.
- Surgery (esophagectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy / Immunotherapy
- Endoscopic treatment (for early stages)
- Palliative care (for advanced cases)
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Maintain healthy weight
- Treat GERD / acid reflux properly
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular monitoring for Barrett’s oesophagus
- People over age 50
- Men (more common than in women)
- Smokers and heavy alcohol users
- People with chronic acid reflux
- Those with Barrett’s oesophagus
If you experience difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss, consult a doctor immediately.
