The exact cause of esophageal cancer is not known, but we do know that the following factors increase the risk of the disease:
- Use of tobacco in any form. The more a person smokes and the longer one smokes, the greater the risk of esophageal cancer; the combination of smoking and alcohol abuse is the most significant risk factor for this cancer.
- Long-term heavy use of alcohol, especially in combination with smoking.
- Barrett's esophagus, caused by long-term reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer 30-fold.
- A diet that is low in fruits, vegetables, and certain vitamins and minerals; conversely, esophageal cancer risk appears to be reduced by consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
- Accidental ingestion of cleaning liquids containing lye as a child.
- Achalasia, a condition in which the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach does not open, leading to the collection of food at the base of the esophagus and increasing the risk of squamous cell carcinoma .
- Tylosis, a rare inherited disease that causes excess skin growth on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet; people with this disease almost always get esophageal cancer and should be screened regularly.
- Abnormal bands of tissue -- called esophageal webs -- that extend inward into the esophagus, making it hard to swallow
Although there is no sure means of preventing esophageal cancer, avoiding smoking and alcohol is the best way to reduce your risk. Some studies suggest that drinking green tea may reduce the risk of squamous-cell esophageal cancer, especially in nonsmokers, but more studies are needed to confirm this association.
Other studies have demonstrated that the risk of esophageal cancer may be lower in people who take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, but these associations need to be studied further.
If you have heartburn that is more than just occasional, please see your doctor to have it evaluated. Changes in your diet and lifestyle may help relieve your symptoms. Drugs are also available to treat acid reflux and reduce the stomach acid that bubbles up into the esophagus. Surgery can also reduce the frequent occurrence of reflux in some patients.
