Certain characteristics, habits, or conditions can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Keep in mind that having one of these risk factors does not guarantee you will get esophageal cancer, and not having any of them does not guarantee that you won’t.
- Age, gender, and race. Most cases are diagnosed in people ages 55 to 70, and many more men get esophageal cancer than women. The disease is also more prevalent among African Americans than among white people.
- Alcohol and cigarettes. Heavy alcohol intake or cigarette smoking can increase risk of esophageal cancer.
- Barrett’s esophagus. In this condition, the cells that line the esophagus have changed into abnormal cells that may lead to esophageal cancer. Gastric reflux, in which stomach contents back up into the lower part of the esophagus, can irritate the esophagus and cause Barrett’s esophagus over time.
Learn more about esophageal cancer:
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