Esophagus and Stomach Cancers

The esophagus (food pipe) is the organ that brings food from your mouth down to your stomach which then helps begin the digestion process. The most common types of esophageal cancers are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Stomach cancer are most commonly adenocarcinomas.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, an estimated 22,070 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed (17,430 in men and 4,640 in women) and 16,250 will die from the disease. Additionally, approximately 30,300 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed (17,720 men and 12,580 women) with an estimated 10,780 deaths.

Risk factors for each cancer vary and may include age, gender, family history, diet, activity level, bacterial infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Talk to your doctor about understanding your risk factors.

Screening is not generally recommended for esophageal and stomach cancers. However, some individuals who have a history of Barrett's esophagus may be encouraged to be screened.