April is esophageal cancer awareness month. The esophagus is a hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer can start anywhere along the length of the esophagus. It usually starts in the inner layer of the esophagus wall and grows outward to the other layers.

The American Cancer Society estimates the lifetime risk for esophageal cancer in the U.S. is about one in 125 for men and about one in 417 for women. Esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of the cancer diagnoses in the U.S with rates decreasing slightly over the past decade.

The risk for esophageal cancer increases with age, with most cases developing after age 55. The use of tobacco and alcohol greatly increases risk. The presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and obesity also increase risk.

Not all esophageal cancers can be prevented, but the risk of developing this disease can be reduced by avoiding the risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will help to maintain a healthy body weight. Get treated for reflux and/or Barrett’s esophagus.

Routine screening for esophageal cancer is not recommended by any professional organization at this time. Currently, there is no screening test that has been shown to lower the risk of dying from esophageal cancer in people who are at average risk. However, people who are at high risk, such as those with Barrett’s esophagus, are often followed closely to look for early cancers and pre-cancers.

The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is trouble swallowing. It may feel like food is stuck in the throat or chest. Swallowing may also become painful, making it difficult to eat and grows worse over time. A decrease in appetite or the inability to eat without pain or difficulty leads to weight loss. Please see your healthcare provider if these symptoms develop.