Statistics

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, please do not let these statistics discourage you. While the diagnosis may be the same, each person has their own individual journey. Positivity and hope play a large role in treatment. As one of our wonderful supporters once said, “there has to be someone to make up the survivor numbers in these statistics and I want my spouse to be one of them!”

While we have an obligation to post the information on this page so that we can acquire the resources to change these statistics, we want to encourage those who are affected not to focus on the figures and rates and instead focus on treatment, receiving support from family and friends and taking each moment as it comes. Have faith and be strong!

Facts & Figures

Esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma) has increased 733% between 1973 and 2014, according to government data, climbing an average of 5.4% per year during the 41-year period in the past decades*; making it the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.*

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Latest Incidence and Mortality of Esophageal Cancer in the United States:

In 2023, an estimated 21,560 will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer and there will be an estimated 16,120 deaths from esophageal cancer.¹

Only 20.6% of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer will survive 5(+) years.

Esophageal Cancer Incidence and Mortality

5 year survival copy

Based on data from SEER 17 2012–2018.
Gray figures represent those who have died from esophageal cancer.
Periwinkle figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.

Incidence and Mortality of Esophageal Cancer in the United States (1999-2023):

Year     Incidence (Diagnosis)       Mortality (Deaths)
2023 21,560 16,120
2022 20,640 16,410
2021 19,260 15,530
2020 18,440 16,170
2019 17,650 16,080
2018 17,290 15,850
2017 16,940 15,690
2016 16,910 15,690
2015 16,980 15,590
2014 18,170 15,450
2013 17,990 15,210
2012 17,460 15,070
2011 15,914 14,446
2010 15,813 14,490
2009 16,487 13,908
2008 16,299 13,714
2007 15,706 13,592
2006 15,664 13,685
2005 15,228 13,499
2004 15,299 13,023
2003 14,419 12,860
2002 13,260 12,700
2001 13,031 12,529
2000 13,051 12,232
1999 12,532 11,917

Notes: Incidence counts cover approximately between 91%-99% of the U.S. population; death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution when comparing incidence and death counts.

Percent of Cases & 5-Year Relative Survival by Stage at Diagnosis

5 Year Survival Rate By Stage copy

  • Localized (18%)
    Confined to Primary Site
  • Regional (33%)
    Spread to Regional Lymph Nodes
  • Distant (39%)
    Cancer Has Metastasized
  • Unknown (10%)
    Unstaged

Esophageal Cancer 5-Year Survival Rates By Stage:

5 Year Survival Rate By Stage 2 copy

SEER 17 2012–2018, All Races, Both Sexes by SEER Summary Stage 2000

  • Localized (47.3%)
    Confined to Primary Site
  • Regional (26.3%)
    Spread to Regional Lymph Nodes
  • Distant (5.7%)
    Cancer Has Metastasized
  • Unknown (13.4%)
    Unstaged
  • Percent of Esophageal Cancer Patients Surviving Five Years: (20.6%)
 

Esophageal Cancer Research Funding:

Source: NCI Office of Budget and Finance.

Source: NCI Office of Budget and Finance.

 
Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer research receives inadequate private and/or government funding.
 
The National Cancer Institute spends, on average, only half of one percent for esophageal cancer research from it’s total budget.  
 
-In 2017, NCI allocated $31,843,910 for esophageal cancer research funding out of it’s total $5,636.4 billion budget.
 
-In 2018, the NCI received an increase for their total budget by 5%, or $284 million from the previous fiscal year. 
 
-However, in 2018, NCI again decreased its investment in research of esophageal cancer to $29,804,836.
 
 
Latest Figures From NCI
 
-2018 NCI funded Esophageal Cancer Research:  $29,804,836
-2018 NCI Total Budget for Cancer Research: $5,927.7 billion budget.
 
Source: National Cancer Institute 
 
 
The American Cancer Society also decreased for esophageal cancer research projects. 
 
January 2020: 11 for esophageal cancer research out of their total of 739 cancer research grants.  
October 2020: 9 for esophageal cancer research out of their total 737 cancer research grants.
 
 
Source: American Cancer Society
 

Cost of Esophageal Cancer Care

 
$1.6 billion dollars was estimated to be spent on esophageal cancer treatment alone during 2016 in the U.S. (Source: Cancer.gov)
 
 

Age-Adjusted Death and Incidence Rates by State:

Age-adjusted incidence rates by State, All Races, Both Sexes for Esophageal Cancer.

Age-adjusted incidence rates by State, All Races, Both Sexes for Esophageal Cancer.

 
 
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Age-adjusted death rates by State, All Races, Both Sexes for Esophageal Cancer.

 
 
 
 
Sources:
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,cdc.gov 
National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, seer.cancer.gov 
American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 2012-2015, cancer.org
Management of Barrett’s oesophagus and intramucosal oesophageal cancer: a review of recent development, nlm.nih.gov 
Esophageal Cancer On The Rise, webmd.com
National Cancer Institute: PDQ® Esophageal Cancer Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. cancer.gov
National Cancer Institute: A Snapshot of Esophageal Cancer. cancer.gov
American Cancer Society, Explore Research, cancer.org
Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News, GastroEndoNews.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  To donate, please click here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 
 
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