Esophageal Cancer – Another Epidemic of Our Own Making?

The Incidence of Esophageal Cancer is rising at a rate greater than any other cancer in the United States. We have experienced a 7 fold increase in the last 3 decades. It is estimated that this cancer will become more common than colorectal cancer by 2020! The disease is deadly with 5 yr survival rates, despite treatment, only in the 15{236bd5e292587b885399ce1fe93b84c86ca4f34851d3c4bf06f3f0da35a3ccbb} range.

Treatment usually requires major surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, at great cost to society and great pain and suffering to the patient. Why is this disease increasing– and is there anything we can do about it?

Evidence is mounting that our lifestyles and habits contribute significantly to the development of this disease. While smoking is a risk factor, Obesity, reflux disease (heartburn), and a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus are the major risk factors that are causing this disease. Bile, and the use of common medications may also play a role!

This seminar will review these risk factors and possible mechanisms responsible for their caustic nature, and will address current and future research strategies designed to overcome this disease.