Has Esophageal Cancer Affected You or Someone You Love?

Here’s What You Need to Know

April marks Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to spotlight the critical facts about this challenging disease. Esophageal cancer forms in the tubular organ, known as the esophagus, that food travels through to reach the stomach. The rate of esophageal cancer diagnosis has been steadily increasing worldwide. It is a disease that often goes undetected in its early stages, making awareness and education more important than ever.

Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis Rates

Esophageal cancer cases have been rapidly increasing. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 22,370 people diagnosed with a new esophageal cancer in 2024 and over 16,000 deaths from esophageal cancer this year. This form of cancer is more common in men than in women and the most common type in the United States is adenocarcinoma. This affects the glandular cells of the lower esophagus where it meets the stomach.

Risk Factors

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. These all significantly increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of esophageal cancer can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Anyone with symptoms such as persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexplained weight loss, and chest pain should see a doctor right away. Advances in early detection, including a screening endoscopy for those patients with known risk factors and EsoGuard (a small capsule that is swallowed and collects esophageal cells for analysis) have improved our ability to detect Barrett’s esophagus and early-stage esophageal cancer.

Treatment

Treatment requires a comprehensive, team-based approach. At Saint Alphonsus, our team of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, nutrition specialists, and genetic counselors develop personalized care plans to address specific cancer types. These include targeted treatments like Immunotherapy. This is a new form of cancer treatment that is proven to be effective in dealing with esophageal cancer.

The Regional Leader in Minimally Invasive Robotic Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Thanks to the most advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive robotic esophagectomy, Saint Alphonsus patients experience less pain following surgery, minimal blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.

As a Saint Alphonsus surgeon, I encourage you to spread the word about the importance of early detection and the advanced treatment that is available. If you or a loved one are at risk or experiencing symptoms, please contact a healthcare professional for a medical evaluation.

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