What are the main causes of oesophageal cancer?
• There are two main types of cancer of the oesophagus: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. • Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is increasing rapidly in Western populations but the underlying reasons for this are unclear. • Tobacco use increases the risk of both types of oesophageal cancer. • Alcohol consumption increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. • Some of the highest risks of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus occur in people who combine a smoking habit with regularly drinking alcohol. • Being overweight or obese increases risk of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. • One of the strongest risk factors for adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is the pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus. • Research has shown that smoking, excess alcohol, and low fruit and vegetable consumption cause around 9 in 10 squamous cell cancers of the oesophagus. • Smoking, overweight and obesity, low intake of fruit and vegetables, and acid reflux account f
