The exact cause ofesophageal canceris unknown, but genetics appears to play a role.
Several risk factors for the disease have also been identified.
For reasons unknown, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has recently shown a dramatic increasein developed countries.
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One genetic syndrome, tylosis, is associated with a very high risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Some risk factors, such as tobacco, containcarcinogens(cancer-causing substances) that can directly damage DNA.
There are several risk factors for this throw in of esophageal cancer.
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Geography
The incidence of both types of esophageal cancer varies significantly around the world.
“This region includes areas such as Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, and central and northern China.
The incidence is also very high in southeastern Africa.
Heavy alcohol intake is associated with a 1.8- to 7.4-fold increase in risk.
Each year many children accidentally ingest these products.
Esophageal cancer may occur many years after an accidental ingestion.
This results in food remaining in and stretching the lower esophagus.
You may have heard that soda can cause esophageal cancer by way of related heartburn.
Betel and areca nuts have also been associated with the development of esophageal cancer.
Thus far, HPV does not appear to be linked with esophageal cancer in the United States.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Over time, these cells may becomeprecancerous cellsand then cancer cells.
Like squamous cell cancers, adenocarcinomas are most common in people between ages 50 and 70.
It’s thought that between 0.5% and 1% of people with GERD will develop esophageal cancer.
Like adenocarcinoma, Barrett’s esophagus is increasing in the United States.
Having a hiatal hernia may increase risk by a factor of 2 to 6.
BMIis a dated, flawed measure.
Smoking is linked to the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, but less so than squamous cell cancers.
Medications
Some medications are associated with either an increased or decreased risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
In contrast, the use of aspirin is associated with a decreased risk.
The best thing you could do to lower your risk of esophageal cancer is avoid tobacco and alcohol.
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