The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation

Is your risk of esophageal cancer impacted by your family’s medical history?  

It is common for family members of those diagnosed with esophageal cancer to wonder if they, too, will be affected by the cancer.  Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in the United States and is also the fastest growing cancer in both the US and the western world.

A study conducted by a researcher in Sweden found that the risk of esophageal cancer [adenocarcinoma] is 3.5 times higher in people with a parent diagnosed with esophageal cancer (overall).

Unfortunately, the researcher warns in their findings that “because of the limited number of familial cases, the results should be interpreted with caution.”  As with many other factors concerning esophageal cancer research, there isn’t a good deal of research into a genetic or hereditary link to esophageal cancer.

An article written by Ryan Smith and Eric Shinohara of The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania stated: “there is not a clear link between a family medical history of esophageal cancer and an individual’s risk of developing esophageal cancer.”

However, researchers do know one way that your family’s medical history can increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer: familial risk factors.

How do “familial” risk factors play key role in esophageal cancer?

A familial risk factor is a risk factor that is shared by your family members.  For instance, your father had chronic acid reflux which puts you at higher odds of also having chronic reflux.  Research so far indicates that your chance of developing esophageal cancer is impacted by these risk factors that you “share” with family members who have had esophageal cancer.   The same could hold true even for family members who have not been diagnosed with esophageal cancer but have some or all of the risk factors associated with esophageal cancer.

“There is no generally accepted relationship between esophageal cancer and heredity. Having said that, there are clearly other factors, such as obesity, smoking and alcohol use that could be related to what we might call environmental exposures,” says Len Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer of Cancer Control Science at the American Cancer Society.

What are some risk factors of esophageal cancer?

It is very important to note that having a risk factor does not automatically indicate that one will have esophageal cancer or other diseases.  Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that one will never be diagnosed with esophageal cancer or other diseases.  Risk factors increase your chances of developing esophageal cancer; especially if you have more than one of the following risk factors.  The severity and length of time that one has a risk factor also increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.   Below are some of the risk factors associated with esophageal cancer:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease, or Chronic heartburn

Barrett’s esophagus

Obesity

Poor diet

Smoking and/or use of tobacco products

Excessive alcohol consumption

Environmental exposures

Age and gender have also been considered risk factors, as men who are older than 55 are more likely to have esophageal cancer than younger ages and all ages for women.  We cringe when we read these statements.  Especially since we meet and hear of so many people who are young and old, male or female who have been diagnosed or have passed away from esophageal cancer.

We can’t stress this enough:  Esophageal cancer does not discriminate!  Unfortunately, esophageal cancer diagnoses have increased over 600% in the past decades and are increasingly affecting all ages and genders.

Early detection of esophageal cancer saves lives!

If you have any of the risk factors listed above or are concerned that you may be at risk of esophageal cancer, please do not wait to speak to your doctor.  The earlier esophageal cancer is caught, the better the treatment options and the higher the chances are for survival.

Currently, there are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer; therefore, we urge you to be proactive about your health!  If you feel that you should be screened, speak to your physician or gastroenterologist.  Insist that you receive screening.  If you have to get a second opinion, do so! You are your own best advocate!

What are some screening methods for esophageal cancer?

The following are some of the more commonly used methods of detecting esophageal cancer and other abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach and other parts of the digestive system.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy:  

During this procedure, a doctor uses an endoscope to see the upper GI tract, which consists of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.  An endoscope is a lightweight, flexible, hollow instrument equipped with a lens which allows the doctor to see these internal parts.  Examining the esophagus, the doctor is looking for any abnormalities and/or inflammation, areas which have been irritated, abnormal growths or cancer. The procedure is generally preformed while a patient is under sedation.  Sedation is not required for all patients, as some receive minimal to no sedation.

Doctors utilize endoscopy procedures to also detect ulcers, abnormal growths in the stomach or first part of small intestines, bowel obstructions or hiatal hernias.  There are small risks associated with an endoscopy, such as bleeding, tissue infection and tears in the gastrointestinal tract.  These are rare instances, as the Mayo Clinic reports that the latter occurs in about three to five time out of every 10,000 upper endoscopies.

Barium Swallow X-Ray:

Also known as an esophagram, an upper gastroentestional series of X-rays used to examine the esophagus for any abnormal conditions.  This test requires patient to drink a thick liquid that temporarily coats the lining of the esophagus.  This will highlight the lining of the esophagus clearly on the X-rays to help better detect any abnormality.

Biopsy

If during an endoscopy, doctors find any suspicious tissue, they will use an endoscope (defined above) passed down the throat into the esophagus to collect a sample of the tissue.  This tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory which will look for cancer cells.

If you are experiencing frequent heartburn or any of the other risks, consult your doctor and be sure to also share this message with your family and friends who may be at risk.

Let’s work together to change the statistics regarding esophageal cancer! 

Our mission is to raise awareness and encourage early detection.  We achieve this by providing you with the information that you and/or others might be at risk need to make an educated decision about getting screened.   If you would like to join this mission by contributing to awareness and research funding for esophageal cancer, please click here.  Also, remember to join us on Facebook to spread the word and save lives!

The overall death rate from cancer in the United States has fallen 20% from its peak in 1991. Breast cancer death rates have dropped 27% from 1990 to 2005 and colon cancer death rates, which have been declining for 20 years, fell about 30% from 2000 to 2010. These great developments are thanks, in part, to nationwide public awareness campaigns, improvements in early detection methods and billions of dollars in research funding.

Unfortunately, as these cancer death rates have fallen, esophageal cancer has increased so much that it is now the fastest growing cancer in the United States.

Esophageal cancer is also among the deadliest of cancers, with an overall five-year survival rate of only 17.5%. Esophageal cancer’s survival rate is especially daunting as compared to breast cancer and colon cancer’s five-year survival rates of 89.2% and 98.9%, respectively.

There are major disparities in esophageal cancer research funding, both from the government and private funders.

The National Cancer Institute decreased its investment in research of esophageal cancer by 15% in 2012; esophageal cancer research receives a mere $28.0 million out of NCI’s total $5.07 billion budget; that’s approximately half of one percent.

While The American Cancer Society reports that they currently fund 1,165 cancer research projects, only 8 of those research projects are related to esophageal cancer.

In the past three years, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has been approached by 13 medical research facilities from across the United States, requesting funding for their research projects dedicated to esophageal cancer.

Disparities in cancer research funding, especially pertaining to esophageal cancer research, which gets just a tiny slice of the cancer research pie, is not something new. In 2009 “a CBS News analysis of data released by the American Cancer Society reveals a large disparity in funding for different types of cancer.”

“Declines are concentrated among the cancers that receive the most research funding, while some of the fastest growing cancers are getting little publicity or funding,” CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports in a CBS News Article.

Researchers from the Biological Sciences Department at California State University studied the research funding distribution for different cancers in the United States. They analyzed research funding based on “burden metrics”, which included incidences, mortalities, economic costs and Years of Life Lost (YLL). What they found was that there are inequities in cancer research funding.

Researchers Ashley JR Carter* and Cecine N Nguyen reported in their article in 2012 that “overfunded cancers include breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia; underfunded cancers include bladder, esophageal cancer, liver, oral, pancreatic, stomach and uterine cancer.”

Carter and Nguyen stated in their research article that “we recommend redistribution from overfunded cancers to underfunded cancers to improve the effectiveness of cancer research funding.”

Can you imagine how many lives would have been lost if breast and colon cancer did not receive sufficient research funding, if there was little public awareness and if there were no standard screenings to detect these deadly cancers in their earlier stages? Unfortunately, esophageal cancer is facing just that. With little public awareness, no standard or routine screenings and underfunded research projects, esophageal cancer is increasing; over 600% in past decades.

The good news is that you can help change these statistics regarding esophageal cancer by joining our mission to raise awareness and encourage early detection of esophageal cancer.

Spread the word by liking us on Facebook and sharing important news and information concerning esophageal cancer. Donations to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation are 100% tax deductible, as we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, as recognized by the IRS.

Our mission is to save lives by reducing the number of incidences of esophageal cancer. This can be done not only by encouraging early detection, but through funding research, which explores prevention of esophageal cancer and easier ways to diagnose esophageal cancer at earlier stages.

Unfortunately, esophageal cancer is typically caught in the late stages, as symptoms often arise too late and once the cancer has spread and becomes difficult, if not impossible, to treat and cure.

Did you know that patients who are diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer typically only receive treatments to relieve symptoms in attempts to improve the quality of life before they pass away?  Funding esophageal cancer research will also fuel projects which are working to find new and improved current treatments for those who are diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

In order to meet this life-saving mission, esophageal cancer research needs funding. There is an enormous opportunity for you to save and improve lives. Make a donation to esophageal cancer research efforts by clicking here: Donate today.
 

There are two types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.  Squamous cell carcinoma is typically found in the upper to mid section of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is usually found in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of esophageal cancer in the United States and has increased over 600% in the past decades making it the fastest growing cancer in the US.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.

According to research presented recently at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO’s) 56th Annual Meeting, a blood test may be helpful in determining “neoadjuvant” treatments for patients who have been diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Neoadjuvant therapies are treatments that are usually given as a first step to shrink a cancerous tumor before the main treatment, which is most often surgery. Some examples of Neoadjuvant therapies are chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The nine-year study showed that levels of two proteins found in the body can indicate patients’ pathological response and survival rates. Pathological response means how the tumor will be affected when the esophagus is examined after surgery.

“Through the utilization of a specific blood test of serum biomarkers, we could potentially predict if a patient will have a favorable pathological response and outcome before radiotherapy,” said senior study author Jason Cheng, MD, division chief of radiation oncology at National Taiwan University Hospital and professor at National Taiwan University College of Medicine in Taipei, Taiwan.

As one of the deadliest cancers, esophageal cancer has an overall 5 year survival rate of only 17.5%.  Stage IV esophageal cancer has a survival rate of only 3.8%.

Research studies such as this are imperative to modifying treatment plans for patients based on their individual diagnoses. Furthermore, this allows for increased chances of recuperation after surgery, higher survival rates and fewer side effects.

To support life-saving research for esophageal cancer, please donate here.

The Lakeland Mirror, by: Austin Anderson. Sept. 25, 2014

On Sept. 15, Christopher Werner, assistant professor of instrumental music and director of bands [at Lakeland College in Wisconsin], returned from a four-month absence after a battle with early stage esophageal cancer.

Werner began feeling ill during the previous school year when he was unable to eat anything without feeling nauseous. He eventually made an appointment with his doctor.

X-rays were taken of his neck and the culprit was a large tumor lodged in his throat, blocking access to his stomach. The tumor was found malignant, and Werner had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and eventually surgery.

He was sent to St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee where he was prepped for a six-hour surgery. The procedure involved cutting out the portion of esophagus that held the tumor and extending a part of the stomach lining to connect it with the throat.

“It was a very severe surgery,” said Werner. Without part of his esophagus, Werner’s voice became hoarse. He was hooked up to a machine that fed him but he still lost weight from chemotherapy. Werner remained in the hospital for one week after the surgery.

“It was scary,” said Werner. “I went through rapid weight loss.”

When he returned to Lakeland, he explained his condition to the concert band at the beginning of class on Sept. 15.

During Werner’s absence, the band still practiced music to be prepared for Werner’s return. Senior instrumental music and performance major Matt Troyer, as well as others, gave the band tips for improvement.

“It is a big relief to see him back,” said Troyer. “I can’t stress enough how pleased I am with Lakeland and how they handled my absence,” said Werner. “They have been just fantastic.”

According to Werner, his battle is not over yet. The chemotherapy side effects will remain for another year. He might have to go back to the hospital for more chemotherapy, but he hopes to get his voice back in time.

At the moment, Lakeland has given him a microphone and speaker to amplify his soft voice.

“I am super excited to have Dr. Werner back and to get this semester started for band,” said Justine Watson, senior studio and graphic art major. “He is an inspiration to many of us.”

_______________________________________

This article has been posted with the permission of The Lakeland Mirror, the student newspaper of Lakeland College in Wisconsin.  “Werner conducts again during cancer battle” was written by:  Austin Anderson, Staff Reporter on September 25, 2014.  Anderson, a junior writing major and staff reporter at the newspaper, details the story of Christopher Werner’s, a professor and band director’s, battle with esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and is also one of the deadliest.  Unfortunately, esophageal cancer is often detected late, as there are no routine or standard screenings.  However, when caught early, the chances of survival are much higher.  signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer.

Mr. Werner’s story highlights the importance of early detection.  It is our hope that it will also encourage others to be proactive about their health and provide inspiration to others fighting this cancer.  Thank you to Christopher, Austin and Leah Ulatowski, Editor-in-Chief of the Mirror, for allowing us to reproduce this story!

Visit The Lakeland Mirror’s website, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

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.

Taller individuals are less likely to develop esophageal cancer [adenocarinoma] and it’s precursor, Barrett’s esophagus, according to a new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States, with over a 600% increase in the past decades.  

Esophageal cancer is also one of the most deadly of cancers, with an overall 5 year survival rate of only 17.5%.  There are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earliest stages and symptoms often arise once the cancer has spread.  Esophageal cancer is often diagnosed in later stages reflecting on the fact that Stage IV esophageal cancer has a survival rate of only 3.8%.  With no known risk factors, research such as this is imperative to finding clues as to what causes this lethal disease.

“Individuals in the lowest quartile of height (under 5’7″ for men and 5’2″ for women) were roughly twice as likely as individuals in the highest quartile of height (taller than 6′ for men and 5’5″ for women) to have Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer,” said Aaron P. Thrift, PhD, lead study author from the Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.

“Interestingly, the relationship between height and esophageal cancer is opposite from many other cancers — including colorectal, prostate and breast — where greater height is associated with an increased risk.”

Researchers conducted a large pooled analysis using data from 14 population-based epidemiologic studies within the International Barrett’s and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium (BEACON), including 1,000 cases of esophageal cancer and twice as many cases of Barrett’s esophagus, and twice as many controls.

The researchers conducted multiple analyses, including using Mendelian randomization (which incorporates genetic information with traditional approaches) to overcome issues of confounding and bias. The results from all analyses consistently demonstrated an inverse association between height and Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer. There were no differences in these estimates based on sex, age, education, smoking, GERD symptoms or body mass index. Adjusting for abdominal obesity yielded similar results.

“The identification of risk factors, such as height, will allow us to create more sophisticated and accurate methods to quantify patient risk, which will hopefully be used in the future to decide who should undergo endoscopic screening for these conditions,” added Dr. Thrift.

The researchers report no obvious explanation for the association between short height and Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer. Future studies investigating the potential causal mechanisms by which risk for Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer might be influenced by height are justified.

Esophageal cancer incidence increased eight-fold in the U.S. from 1973 to 2008. Almost all cases arise from Barrett’s esophagus. Learn more about the management of Barrett’s esophagus in the American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement.