Some people are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer than others. Knowing the causes of cancer of the esophagus, the long tube that joins the mouth to the stomach, and taking steps to lessen your risk may be your best defense against esophageal cancer.
Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors
It's not yet entirely understood what causes esophageal cancer, but research has found that a number of lifestyle factors can contribute to your risk of getting the disease. These include:
Smoking. People who smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, and those who chew tobacco, are more likely to develop esophageal cancer. But, while smoking greatly increases your risk, even nonsmokers can get esophageal cancer.
Heavy alcohol use. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can damage the cells of the esophagus and may eventually lead to esophageal cancer. Those who smoke and drink heavily are at particularly high risk of esophageal cancer.
Acid reflux. Frequent acid reflux, a condition in which acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus, causing heartburn, may eventually lead to esophageal cancer.
Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is linked to up to one third of all cases of esophageal cancer. Over time, GERD can result in the development of Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which abnormal cells form in the lower area of the esophagus. If you suffer from frequent reflux or GERD, talk to your doctor. He or she can carefully monitor your health, and possibly prescribe medications for GERD, to help reduce your risk of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Poor diet. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables may increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Other health conditions . People with a rare skin disorder called tylosis (a genetic condition that causes extra skin to form on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet) are more likely to develop esophageal cancer. Achalasia (a disorder in which food becomes trapped in the lower part of the esophagus) and Plummer-Vinson syndrome (a condition that leads to abnormal tissue formation in the esophagus) also place people at higher risk of esophageal cancer.
Chemicals. People who work with certain chemicals used in dry cleaning are at increased risk of esophageal cancer. Additionally, accidental ingestion of drain cleaners that contain lye can lead to esophageal cancer years later.
Hot drinks. Scalding hot coffee, tea, and other hot beverages can damage esophageal tissue and contribute to the development of esophageal cancer.
Esophageal cancer is not thought to be a hereditary condition, however, tylosis, which is linked to esophageal cancer, is hereditary. So, if someone in your family has tylosis, you may both be at a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Other Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer
In addition to lifestyle factors and health disorders, a number of other risk factors may increase your chances of developing esophageal cancer, including:
Age. The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases as you age. Most people diagnosed with esophageal cancer are over age 55, and the majority of those are 70 or older.
Race. Your race can heighten your risk for developing specific types of esophageal cancer. Caucasians are at an increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma, while African-Americans are at a greater risk of developing squamous-cell esophageal cancer.
Being overweight or obese. People who are overweight are more likely to develop esophageal cancer, in part because obesity often promotes acid reflux.
Gender . Men are diagnosed with esophageal cancer much more often than women.
While drinking, smoking, eating a poor diet, and being overweight are all risk factors for esophageal cancer, even people who live a healthier lifestyle may still get the disease. As with most diseases, early detection and treatment improve the odds of recovering from esophageal cancer. Understand your risk factors and work with your doctor so that you can recognize any symptoms as soon as possible.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Esophageal Cancer Center.