Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month: Spot the Signs, Save Lives
While many cancers receive widespread attention, esophageal cancer often goes unnoticed. As we observe Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, it is crucial to spotlight this serious yet often overlooked condition. Although not as common as other types of cancer, esophageal cancer presents significant challenges due to its aggressive nature and high mortality rate, with many cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage.
The objective of this blog is to raise awareness about esophageal cancer, exploring what it is, the associated risk factors, common symptoms, available treatments, and why awareness is critical.
Why Esophageal Cancer Awareness Matters?
Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, yet it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. Early detection can significantly improve survival rates, but this is only possible if people are aware of the symptoms and risk factors.
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital platform to educate the public, encourage early screening, and promote early intervention.
Raising awareness helps bridge the gap between the disease and the public. Many people live with symptoms for months or even years without realising the severity of their condition.
By spreading knowledge, we empower individuals to seek medical advice sooner, which can be the difference between life and death.
What is Esophageal Cancer?
The esophagus is a vital muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Its primary role is to transport food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. When cancer affects this organ, it can disrupt these essential functions and become life-threatening. Esophageal cancer most commonly manifests in two forms:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This type starts in the squamous cells that line the esophagus.
- Adenocarcinoma: This form arises from the glandular cells in the lower part of the esophagus.
Though rarer than other cancers, esophageal cancer remains one of the deadliest, as it is often diagnosed in the later stages.
A 2024 study published in Cancer Biology & Medicine reported that approximately 511,054 new cases of esophageal cancer (EC) were diagnosed globally in 2022, with 445,391 deaths. Around 75% of cases and deaths occurred in Asia, with tobacco use in men and high BMI in women being major risk factors.
What are the main risk factors for esophageal cancer?
Certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions significantly increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Key risk factors include:
- Smoking: Long-term tobacco use is one of the leading contributors to esophageal cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol heavily increases the risk of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Barrett’s esophagus: A condition where the normal cells of the esophagus are replaced by abnormal cells, increasing the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer.
- Age and Gender: Esophageal cancer is more common in people over the age of 55, with men being more frequently affected than women.
- Diet and Obesity: Poor dietary habits and obesity can also raise the risk, particularly for adenocarcinoma.
Dr. Bhavesh Patel, Consultant - General Surgery, Laser and Laparoscopy Surgeon, United CIIGMA Hospitals (A unit of CARE Hospitals), Chh. Sambhajinagar stated, “More effective strategy would, therefore, be to address well-established risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. One of the most notable contributors to this is smoking and chewing tobacco. Besides that, excessive alcohol consumption has also been identified as a major factor contributing to this disease through synergism, leading to a considerable increase in risk for cancer. Such practices would be limited or phased out altogether in any strategy of prevention”.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for both prevention and early detection.
What is the first sign of esophageal cancer?
Early-stage esophageal cancer often presents with subtle symptoms, which makes timely diagnosis challenging. Common esophageal cancer symptoms include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent pain or discomfort behind the breastbone
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Chronic cough
- Recurrent heartburn or indigestion
In some cases, esophageal cancer symptoms in females may differ slightly from those in males, with women more likely to experience symptoms like fatigue and indigestion. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms persistently, seeking medical advice is essential for early intervention.
What are the stages of Esophageal Cancer?
The Esophageal cancer stages range from early (stage 0) to advanced (stage 4). The stage at diagnosis plays a significant role in determining the treatment plan and overall prognosis. Early-stage cancers (like stage 2 esophageal cancer) may be more manageable with surgery or targeted therapies, while advanced stages often require more aggressive treatments.
- Stage 0: The cancer is confined to the inner layer of the esophagus.
- Stage 1: The cancer has spread to deeper layers.
- Stage 2: The cancer has affected nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer is more widespread, involving multiple lymph nodes and tissues.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs.
What treatments are best for esophageal cancer?
There are various treatment options available for esophageal cancer, which can be tailored depending on the stage and type of cancer. The main esophageal cancer treatments include:
1. Surgery: This involves the removal of the cancerous section of the esophagus or, in some cases, the entire esophagus.
2. Chemotherapy: A drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill or shrink cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to reduce tumour size or after surgery to eliminate remaining cells.
3. Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are directed at the tumour to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can also help alleviate symptoms like difficulty swallowing.
4. Immunotherapy: Emerging treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors offer hope, especially for advanced cases. Drugs like nivolumab are currently being used in combination with chemotherapy to improve outcomes.
5. Targeted Therapy: This method focuses on specific molecular targets in cancer cells to stop growth and spread.
6. Palliative Care: For patients with advanced cancer, palliative care aims to improve quality of life by managing symptoms and side effects.
However, recent strides in medical science have introduced a new frontier: immunotherapy. The Food and Drug Administration's approval of medications harnessing the immune system's power marks a significant milestone. Nivolumab, in combination with chemotherapy or ipilimumab, offers hope for individuals battling advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer.
Supporting Esophageal Cancer Awareness
As part of Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2025, it is essential to raise awareness about this deadly disease.
One way to show support is by wearing the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Ribbon, which is typically purple in colour, symbolising the fight against this disease.
Raising awareness helps foster a better understanding of esophageal cancer causes, promotes early detection, and encourages people to seek medical advice if they experience any symptoms. Education plays a crucial role in improving outcomes and driving research efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What month is esophagus cancer awareness?
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month is observed in April. During this time, people are encouraged to learn about the disease, recognise its symptoms, and support those affected. The Esophageal Cancer Awareness color is purple, symbolising solidarity and support for the cause.
2. What is the esophageal cancer survival rate for 5 years?
The overall five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer is about 20%. Survival rates can range from 5% to 47%, depending on the cancer's stage at diagnosis, according to the data by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Early detection significantly improves survival chances, while advanced stages with widespread spread have lower survival rates.
3. What are the common esophageal cancer symptoms in females?
Common Esophageal cancer symptoms females include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent chest pain or discomfort, chronic cough, hoarseness, and recurrent heartburn. These symptoms may vary, so early medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Is cancer of the esophagus curable?
Cancer of the esophagus can be curable, especially if detected early. Treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can be effective, with higher cure rates in early-stage cancers. However, advanced-stage esophageal cancer may be more challenging to treat, focusing on controlling the disease and improving quality of life.
5. What not to eat with esophagus cancer?
With esophageal cancer, it’s important to avoid foods that can irritate the esophagus or are hard to swallow. Stay away from spicy, acidic, and very hot foods, as well as tough, dry, or crunchy items like raw vegetables, nuts, and hard meats. Additionally, limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, and foods high in sugar or fat, which can worsen symptoms.
Stand Up for Esophageal Cancer Awareness
As Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month continues, let us unite in our mission to combat this devastating disease. By sharing knowledge, supporting research initiatives, and promoting regular screenings, we can make a difference. With ongoing advancements in treatment and growing awareness, there is hope that one day we will significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for those affected by Esophageal cancer.
Together, we can drive change, support those battling this disease, and work towards a future where Esophageal cancer no longer holds such a devastating impact on lives.
Also, read our other related blogs on cancer:
1. National Cancer Awareness Day
2. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
References
1. Wang Y, Mukkamalla SKR, Singh R, et al. Esophageal Cancer. [Updated 2024 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459267/
2. Sehdev A, Catenacci DV. Gastroesophageal cancer: focus on epidemiology, classification, and staging. Discov Med. 2013 Sep;16(87):103-11. PMID: 23998446. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23998446/
3. PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Esophageal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2024 Aug 9. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65900/
