Survival after esophageal cancer diagnosis continues to improve

The U.S. National Cancer Institute recently released new data and analyses from the national SEER program of population-based cancer registries. They highlighted that there are now more than 18.6 million cancer survivors in the U.S. (as of 2023), and 5-year survival has reached 70%, reflecting continued progress in early diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, cancer incidence is continuing to increase overall, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance and research.

Regarding esophageal cancer (all histologic types combined), incidence has slowly decreased (0.6% per year) over the past decade. More good news is that relative 5-year survival rates among persons diagnosed with this cancer continue to improve, from approximately 17% in 2000 to a modeled 25% for individuals diagnosed in 2024.

Many more analyses and links to SEER*Explorer (an interactive website enabling custom graphs and tables) can be found here. Those wishing to explore other cancers can click here.

Coal smoke and risk of dying from esophageal and stomach cancer

While smoking and alcohol intake are the major causes of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas in most populations, exposure to environmental and occupational agents have been linked to increased risk in a number of settings (Etemadi, et al., JNCI 2024 Mar 7;116(3):379-388. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djad218. PMID:

Predicting risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma

This systematic review from investigators at the Karolinska Institute and Fujian Medical University evaluates nine risk prediction models from seven studies aimed at identifying individuals at high risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) to improve targeted screening and early detection. The models commonly use predictors such as age, sex, GERD symptoms,

Capsule sponge, biomarkers and AI in risk classification of Barrett's esophagus

This paper describes findings from a multicenter prospective study conducted across 13 hospitals in the UK. Participants were patients (n = 910) with a known diagnosis of non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus who underwent a capsule-sponge (Cytosponge) test followed by endoscopy. The Cytosponge test combined with biomarker analysis, including p53 staining

Esophageal cancer - fast facts

The Fred Hutch Cancer Center (Seattle, WA) concisely presents helpful information on causes, symptoms and treatment options for both types of esophageal cancer, as well as additional resources for patients.

Read more

Coal smoke and risk of dying from esophageal and stomach cancer

Predicting risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma

Capsule sponge, biomarkers and AI in risk classification of Barrett's esophagus

Esophageal cancer - fast facts