Esophageal cancer is often detected too late
According to an analysis that looked at data within the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER) database, between 1973-2017 there was a 7x increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer when compared to other cancers.1 Early detection and prevention are critical because too often, esophageal cancer is diagnosed too late. Catching esophageal cancer in its earlier stages or the precancerous stage can positively impact a person’s survival and quality of life.
2023 U.S. Esophageal Cancer Statistics2
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Man represent about 80% of cases and 81% of deaths from EAC
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In the U.S., esophageal cancer is ranked the 5th most common gastrointestinal cancer and is the
6th most common cancer globally.3
Patients with Barrett’s esophagus have a 10-55x greater risk of getting esophageal cancer when
compared to the general population.4-5
Barrett’s esophagus and its connection to esophageal cancer
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
Cells lining the esophagus are normally like our skin’s cells. When stomach acid pushes its way back into the esophagus (or “refluxes”), over time, it can change those esophageal cells into cells that are just like those found in our intestines. This condition is called Barrett’s esophagus (BE). If those cells continue to develop abnormally, they can grow out of control, causing a cancerous tumor to form.
How is Barrett’s esophagus connected to esophageal cancer?
The only known pre-cursor of esophageal cancer is BE.7 BE is related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that can cause the cells in your esophagus to change in an abnormal way that might lead to cancer.
Who can get Barrett’s esophagus?
Anyone can get BE, but it is most common in men who are 50 years old or more and are White.2 Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed in twice as many men as women and about 10-15% of people with GERD will go on to develop BE.6 Other risk factors for BE include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, being obese, and having a family history of BE or esophageal cancer.2
What can you do?
If you have BE, talk to your healthcare provider to understand your treatment options. If you have risk factors for BE, screening for BE is an important step in staying ahead of esophageal cancer. If you are diagnosed with BE, EsopredictTM is a predictive, prognostic test that your GI specialist may use to assess your risk of having BE that could progress to esophageal cancer in the future.
References: 1.. Hang TP, Spiritos Z, Gamboa AM, et al. Epidemiology of early esophageal adenocarcinoma. Clin Endosc. 2022;55(3):372-380. doi:10.5946/ce.2021.152 2. Statistics for esophageal cancer: Esophageal cancer stats. Statistics for Esophageal Cancer | Esophageal Cancer Stats. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. 3. Mukkamalla SKR, Recio-Boiles A, Babiker HM. Esophageal Cancer. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 10, 2022. 4. Cook MB, Coburn SB, Lam JR, Taylor PR, Schneider JL, Corley DA. Cancer incidence and mortality risks in a large US Barrett’s oesophagus cohort. Gut. 2018;67(3):418-529. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312223. 5. Thrift AP. Global burden and epidemiology of Barrett oesophagus and oesophageal cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;18(6):432-443. doi:10.1038/s41575-021-00419-3 6. Schlottmann F, Molena D, Patti MG. Gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett’s esophagus: a pathway to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Updates Surg. 2018;70(3):339-342. doi:10.1007/s13304-018-0564-y. 7. Shaheen NJ, Falk GW, Iyer PG, et al. Diagnosis and Management of Barrett’s Esophagus: An Updated ACG Guideline. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(4):559-587.