April Cancer Awareness Month: Esophageal Cancer

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, which is represented by the periwinkle ribbon.

Esophageal Cancer: Esophageal cancer is a mutation of cells in the esophagus or the tube from the mouth to the stomach.

Statistics: The American Cancer Society’s estimates for esophageal cancer in the United States for 2025 are:

• About 22,070 new esophageal cancer cases diagnosed (17,430 in men and 4,640 in women)

• About 16,250 deaths from esophageal cancer (12,940 in men and 3,310 in women)

Symptoms: Weight loss without trying, difficulty swallowing, chronic chest pain and persistent hoarseness of coughing.

Risk Factors:

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Chronic heartburn or acid reflux

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that sometimes develops in people with GERD

• Achalasia, a rare disorder of muscles in the lower esophagus

Diagnosis: Endoscopy with biopsy or Endoscopic ultrasound are the primary diagnostic tools

Treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Prevention

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol

• Eat a healthy diet

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Seek treatment for reflux and heartburn

*The above information was found on the Johns Hopkins Medicine website