Risk Factors and Symptoms for Esophageal Cancer
Risk Factors
Preventative steps can help you avoid esophageal cancer. These include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting smoking and alcohol use.But it is important to be aware of risk factors that can increase your chances of getting esophageal cancer, which include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux)
- Barrett's esophagus
- Obesity
- Achalasia (condition where the muscle at the lower end of the esophagus does not relax properly)
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Workplace exposures
- Injury to the esophagus
- History of other cancers
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
Symptoms
Be on the lookout for any of the following, especially if you are in a high risk group:
- Chest pain and trouble swallowing
- Weight loss
- Chronic cough and hoarseness
- Vomiting
- Hiccups
- Pneumonia
- Bone pain
- Bleeding into the esophagus
Clinical Trials
Baylor College of Medicine conducts clinical trials that give participants access to the latest, most comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options available. See clinical trials for esophageal cancer.