Esophageal cancer

What is esophageal cancer?

Esophageal cancer starts in the cells of the esophagus. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to esophageal cancer.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer

Risk factors for esophageal cancer include tobacco, alcohol and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn about esophageal cancer risk.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer

Symptoms of esophageal cancer include weight loss, painful swallowing and pain in the throat, chest or back. Learn about the symptoms of esophageal cancer.

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer

Tests to diagnose esophageal cancer, such as upper GI series, are done when symptoms suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing esophageal cancer.

Grading esophageal cancer

Grading esophageal cancer helps predict how fast the cancer is growing. Learn about the grades of esophageal cancer.

Stages of esophageal cancer

Staging classifies a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. Learn about the staging of and stage groupings for esophageal cancer.

If esophageal cancer spreads

Cancer can spread from the esophagus to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes. This is called metastasis. Learn where esophageal cancer spreads.

Prognosis and survival for esophageal cancer

Prognostic factors for esophageal cancer are stage and lymph node involvement. Learn about prognosis and survival for esophageal cancer.

Treatments for esophageal cancer

Treatments for esophageal cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and chemoradiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for esophageal cancer.

Supportive care for esophageal cancer

Supportive care helps people with physical and emotional aspects of esophageal cancer. Learn how to cope with long-term side effects of esophageal cancer.

Research in esophageal cancer

Researchers are always learning more about esophageal cancer and finding better ways to treat it.

Esophageal cancer statistics

Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from esophageal cancer in a certain time frame.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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