[I Have Been Diagnosed With Esophageal Cancer and Have Never Smoked]

I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and have never smoked. What are the causes of and risk factors for developing this disease?

The exact causes of cancer of the esophagus are not known. However, studies show that any of the following factors can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer:

– Age Esophageal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older; most people who develop esophageal cancer are over age 60.

– Sex Cancer of the esophagus is more common in men than in women.

– Tobacco Use Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco is one of the major risk factors for esophageal cancer.

– Alcohol Use Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol is another major risk factor for esophageal cancer. People who use both alcohol and tobacco have an especially high risk of esophageal cancer. Scientists believe that these substances increase each others harmful effects.

– Barretts Esophagus Long-term irritation can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Tissues at the bottom of the esophagus can become irritated if stomach acid frequently backs up into the esophagus a problem called gastric reflux. Over time, cells in the irritated part of the esophagus may change and begin to resemble the cells that line the stomach. This condition, known as Barretts esophagus, is a premalignant condition that may develop into adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

– Other Types of Irritation Other causes of significant irritation or damage to the lining of the esophagus, such as swallowing lye or other caustic substances, can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

– Medical History Patients who have had other head and neck cancers have an increased chance of developing a second cancer in the head and neck area, including esophageal cancer.

Having any of these risk factors increases the likelihood that a person will develop esophageal cancer. Still, most people with one or even several of these factors do not get the disease. The best ways to prevent cancer of the esophagus are to quit (or never start) using tobacco and to limit the use of alcohol.

For more information on esophageal cancer, contact Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, 550 Lobdell Ave., at (225) 927- 2273.

This column is presented as a service by Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, a United Way affiliate, approved by the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society.