By: Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais

Let’s face it – some health facts can be hard to swallow. But when it comes to esophageal cancer, knowledge and awareness could save your life.

April, Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, provides an excellent opportunity to increase understanding of a disease that, despite representing only 1.1% of new cancer cases, is often aggressive and diagnosed late.

Here are 4 lifesaving facts you should know about esophageal cancer:

1. Esophageal Cancer is Difficult to Diagnose

With no early screening test, most people aren’t diagnosed with esophageal cancer until the disease has advanced. That’s why the 5-year survival rate remains low – just 21%. Knowing the risks and symptoms are vitally important.

2. Men are More at Risk

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that 22,070 Americans will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer – 17,430 men and 4,640 women. In the United States, the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 127, but only 1 in 434 for women. Differences in biology play a roll, but unhealthy lifestyle choices that are more prevalent among men also contribute to these statistics.

3. You Can Reduce Your Risk

While you can’t change your age or family history, many esophageal cancer risk factors are preventable. Daily decisions matter!

Lifestyle-related risk factors include:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD), which can lead to Barrett’s esophagus
• Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
• Sedentary lifestyle

Making healthy choices – like quitting smoking, drinking less, losing weight, increasing physical activity, and eating nutritious foods – can significantly reduce your risk.

4. Symptoms May Be Easy to Miss

Without an early diagnostic screening available, esophageal cancer symptoms might be the first indication of an issue. Recognizing and immediately acting on those symptoms are crucial.

Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing (especially solids)
• Chest pain, burning, or pressure
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic coughing or hoarseness

If something feels off, don’t ignore your concerns. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, who may want to perform an endoscopy to investigate your symptoms.

Talk About Esophageal Cancer

Conversations can save lives – seriously! If you just learned something new about esophageal cancer, share it with a friend or loved one! The information you pass along might inspire lifesaving actions! 

If we stay informed, proactive, and aware, the truth about esophageal cancer doesn’t have to be hard to swallow.