Esophageal cancer risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hadeel Maksoud M.D.[2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Common risk factors in the development of esophageal cancer are tobacco smoking, alcohol, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett's esophagus.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

• There are a number of risk factors for esophageal cancer.
• Some subtypes of cancer are linked to particular risk factors:^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Decreased risk[edit | edit source]

• Risk appears to be less in patients using aspirin or related drugs (NSAIDs).
• The role of helicobacter pylori in progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma is still uncertain, but, on the basis of population data, it may carry a protective effect. It is postulated that helicobacter pylori prevents chronic gastritis, which is a risk factor for reflux, which in turn is a risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Diets high in cruciferous (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) and green and yellow vegetables and fruits are associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer.

References[edit | edit source]

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