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Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that can have dire consequences if left untreated.

But what many people don’t know is that there are certain factors which can increase your risk of developing this disease. In this article, we delve into those factors, so you can be aware of what puts you at risk and take preventative action to reduce it.

Introduction to Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the esophagus, the long, thin tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer can occur in any part of the esophagus, but it most commonly occurs in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.

There are two main types of esophageal cancer:

• squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in men and in people who smoke tobacco or drink alcohol.

Adenocarcinoma is more common in women and in people who are obese or have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Most cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has spread beyond the esophagus to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, by the time most cases are diagnosed, treatment options are limited and the prognosis is poor.

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.These include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking tobacco or using other forms of tobacco increases your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The risk is even higher if you also drink alcohol.
• Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The risk is even higher if you also smoke tobacco

Risk Factors for Esophageal Cancer

There are many different risk factors for esophageal cancer, and some of them may surprise you.

Here are a few of the most common risk factors:

1. Smoking: Smoking is by far the most significant risk factor for esophageal cancer. If you smoke, your risk of developing the disease is significantly higher than someone who doesn't smoke.
2. Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol also increases your risk of esophageal cancer.
3. Obesity: Being obese or overweight is another major risk factor for esophageal cancer. Fatty tissue can increase the amount of acid in your stomach, which can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to cancer.
4. Acid reflux: Acid reflux, also known as GERD, is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to cancer.

Common Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

There are a variety of symptoms that can be associated with esophageal cancer, and some people may experience no symptoms at all. The most common symptom is difficulty swallowing, also called dysphagia. Other symptoms can include:

• Weight loss
• Chest pain or pressure
• Heartburn or indigestion that doesn't go away
• Coughing or hoarseness
• Regurgitating food or liquids

Prevention and Detection Strategies for Esophageal Cancer

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of esophageal cancer, or catch it early if you have a higher risk. 

• Limit how much alcohol you drink. If you drink alcohol, don’t have more than one drink a day if you’re a woman or two drinks a day if you’re a man. 
• Maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy foods. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help protect against cancer of the esophagus. 
• If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), talk to your doctor about ways to control it.

Your doctor may also recommend regular screening tests if you have any of the other risk factors for esophageal cancer, such as Barrett’s esophagus or a family history of the disease.

Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

There are many different treatments for esophageal cancer, and the most effective treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options for esophageal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

1. Surgery is the most common treatment for esophageal cancer. For more advanced cancers, surgery to remove part of the esophagus or stomach may be necessary.
2. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
3. Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.