Esophageal cancer is less common in the United States than in other parts of the world, according to MayoClinic.com. Esophageal cancer usually affects the lower portion of the esophagus and often results from chronic irritation. There are many risk factors that lead to the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. It is important to be familiar with the risk factors as patients with early disease may have no symptoms.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
There are many lifestyle risk factors for esophageal cancer that involve chronic irritation of the esophagus. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the most important risk factor is heavy alcohol consumption. When coupled with chewing tobacco and smoking, the risk becomes very high. Other risk factors include, low calorie diets, and diets low in protein, fruits and vegetables. Diets that include a large amount of pickled vegetables and liquids consumed at very hot temperatures may also play a role in the development of esophageal cancer. An uncommon risk factor involves accidental ingestion of lye, which is a corrosive household chemical sometimes found in cleaning solutions. The risk is greatest when lye is ingested during childhood.
Medical Conditions
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, several medical conditions are considered risk factors for esophageal cancer. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, creates chronic irritation of the esophagus. When GERD persists over a long period of time it may change the cells of the lower esophagus. When the cells become abnormal they are considered precancerous. This condition is called Barrett's esophagus, which is a significant risk factor for cancer. Other risk factors include esophageal webbing, achalasia and tylosis. With esophageal webbing there are bands of tissue that extend across the esophagus making it difficult to swallow. Achalasia is a condition in which the valve between the esophagus and stomach does not open correctly. This allows food to collect at the base of the esophagus creating irritation. Tylosis is a very rare skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Patients with tylosis have a very high risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Genetic Risk Factors
Some risk factors that cannot be changed include sex, age and race. Men are three times more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although men are at higher risk for the disease, the number of women diagnosed is increasing. Patients of African American descent and those older than 60 are also at a higher risk. When one or more risk factors are present it is important to see a doctor to determine if screening is necessary. Screening for esophageal cancer is important because patients may have no symptoms until the disease is advanced.
