Let’s look at the following risk factors and note how many apply to you, your lifestyle, and eating habits:
- Men are more likely to get esophageal cancer.
- The chance of getting esophageal cancer increases with age.
- Smoking is a major risk factor including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The more a person uses tobacco and the longer it is used increases the risk.
- Drinking alcohol increases your risk. The more you drink, the higher the chance. Using both tobacco and alcohol becomes a major risk factor.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem for many. Stomach acids flow backward into the esophagus causing heartburn and pain which can irritate the esophagus.
- GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus which is a complication that arises from having longterm GERD. The stomach acids continuingly irritate the lining of the esophagus, and this leads to precancerous changes which increases the risk for cancer.
- Being overweight or obese.
