April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, and the statistics surrounding esophageal cancer are truly alarming, making awareness and education very important. Today, take a few minutes to learn the facts about esophageal cancer and become familiar with the symptoms and risk factors. The information might just save your life, or the life of someone you love.

Nearly 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed every year.  Over the last 35 years, doctors have seen a 600 percent increase in esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that forms in the glandular cells. Esophageal adenocarcinoma has been linked to acid reflux and is typically found in the lower region of the esophagus.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 15,000 Americans die from esophageal cancer each year. The Esophageal Cancer Action Network reports that fewer than one in five patients will survive five years after being diagnosed. Despite these statistics, esophageal cancer is severely underfunded. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2013 only half a percent of federal funding was dedicated toward esophageal cancer, one of the deadliest and fastest-increasing cancers in this country.

Although Esophageal cancer is not entirely preventable, knowing the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms could help aid in early diagnosis.

Risk factors for Esophageal Cancer

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol usage
• Hiatal Hernia
• Barrett’s Esophagus
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Dr. Casey of Plymouth General Surgery explains that diet, lifestyle and stress are all contributors to the development of chronic reflux. “Many people with reflux don’t even know they have it because it can present as asthma-like symptoms and as a result, patients could have Barrett’s Esophagus and not even realize it.” Since patients with Barrett’s have .3% to .6% chance of the disease becoming cancer, early detection and treatment are key.

Common symptoms of esophageal cancer

• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Weight loss
• Blood in the stool
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling very tired
• Heartburn (GERD)
• Pain in the throat or back
• Hoarseness or coughing

To learn more about reflux, understand your risk for Barrett’s esophagus and/or developing esophageal cancer, call Plymouth General Surgery at 603-536-5670 to make an appointment.