Terry's Esophageal Cancer Story

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. Hear first-hand the importance of catching this cancer early.

Meet Terry, a father and husband, who discovered he had early-stage esophageal cancer after undergoing an endoscopy for an unrelated condition. Within a 3-week period, Terry went from diagnosis to da Vinci robotic surgery. Dr. Christopher Reising, Terry's foregut surgeon, explains how the robotic esophagectomy was performed, the precautions that came immediately after, and what Terry's road to recovery looks like.

The occurrence of esophageal cancer cases has been rapidly increasing with an estimated 22,070 new esophageal cancer diagnosis and about 16,250 deaths expected in 2025 by the American Cancer Society. While it often goes undetected in its early stages, there are risk factors and symptoms to be aware of. Chronic acid reflux (GERD), obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, Barrett’s esophagus (a condition resulting from chronic GERD) and a family history of esophageal cancer – all significantly increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Early detection of esophageal cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained weight loss, and chest pain should see their primary care provider immediately and request an endoscopy screening. Don’t have a primary care provider? Schedule with one today.