Esophageal cancer is cancer involving the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. It usually arises from the lining or epithelium of the esophagus. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 16,000 new cases of this cancer were reported in 2009, with over 14,000 deaths reported in the same period.
Although there are still controversies about the actual causes of cancers, certain risk factors, according to the American Cancer Society, are closely linked to the development of esophageal cancer.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
The Surgeon General's report (2004) at the CDC website states that cigarette smoking is a major cause of cancer of the esophagus in the United States. Cigarette smoking and other tobacco use is implicated in all types of esophageal cancer, and the risk dramatically reduces with stopping tobacco use. The number of years of smoking and the number of packs smoked per day are directly related to the risk of developing this cancer.
Consumption of Alcohol
Alcohol use is the second important factor mentioned in the Surgeon General's report that increases the effects of tobacco in causing esophageal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, those who consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day are at a higher risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. Alcohol consumption and tobacco use account for most cases of esophageal cancer in the United States, according to the Surgeon General's 2004 report.
Acid Reflux Disease
When stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the acidic nature of the stomach contents causes chemical damage to the lining of the lower part of the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Over a period of time, this continual damage may result in changes in this region of the esophagus, leading to an alteration in the lining of the esophagus, a condition called Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a high-risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer. The cancer can also develop without going through the phase of Barrett's esophagus. According to the American Cancer Society, about 30 percent of esophageal cancers are linked to GERD.
Obesity
Obesity confers a higher risk for the development of cancer of the esophagus, according to the American Cancer Society. The risk is partly explained by the higher incidence of reflux disease in the obese.
Diet
Deficiencies of fruits and vegetables in the diet have been linked to development of esophageal cancer. A diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of esophageal cancer, according to The American Cancer Society. Certain factors like frequent ingestion of very hot liquids and processed meat are also linked to increased risks of esophageal cancer.
Overeating is also linked to esophageal cancer, apparently due to its link to obesity.
Achalasia
This is a disease of the esophagus leading to an inability of the lower part of the esophagus to function properly and the accumulation of swallowed food in this area, dilating the esophagus. According to the American Cancer Society, this heightens the risk of esophageal cancer.
Workplace exposures
People in certain occupations are at a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This is from exposure to toxic fumes from chemicals like those used in the dry cleaning industry.
Others
Esophageal cancers are much more common in the older generation. According to the American Cancer Society, most cases are seen in people aged 65 years and above. Men are three times more likely to have this cancer than women.
Previous chemical burns to the esophagus in childhood, usually by the accidental ingestion of corrosive chemicals like lye, also predispose to the development of this cancer in old age.
