What are the causes of esophageal cancer, and can I do anything to prevent it?
Specifically, esophageal cancer, while much more common in some parts of the world, accounts for only about one percent of all cancers in the United States. This particular type of cancer tends to be found in patients over 55 years of age and is twice as likely to be diagnosed in a man than in a woman. In addition, it is more common in African-Americans than in white people. While the exact cause of cancer of the esophagus is not yet known, doctors and researchers have identified several risk factors which can significantly increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. In the United States, smoking tobacco and excessive use of alcohol can put one at increased risk for developing esophageal cancer. Heavy smokers who drink alcohol excessively are much more likely than the general population to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Reduction or cessation of these harmful activities reduces the risk of getting esophageal cancer and can also decrease your chance of developing other canc
