The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation

October 18, 2018 | Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News

This article was posted on gastroendonews.com to view the original article, please click here.

“The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has spiked more than sevenfold over the past four decades, far outpacing other tumor types. But the disease is detected early enough to be resected in at least 20% of patients with minimally invasive procedures.

Those findings come from a new epidemiological study of esophageal cancer in the United States. Researchers found that the incidence of EAC rose 733% between 1973 and 2014, according to government data, climbing an average of 5.4% per year during the 41-year period (Figure). The next-fastest form of cancer—breast cancer—rose by 0.9% per year, on average, during that time.”

To read the full article, please visit: gastroendonews.com

Esophageal cancer is one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States.  There are no routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in earlier stages and symptoms (such as difficulty swallowing, choking sensation, etc…) often occur once the cancer spreads and becomes more difficult (if not impossible) to treat.

Learn the facts about esophageal cancer

-Esophageal cancer has increased over 700% and is considered one of the fastest growing cancer in the US.

-Risk factors include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, acid reflux, chronic heartburn),
• obesity,
• poor nutrition,
• tobacco use,
• excessive alcohol use,
• Barrett’s esophagus.

-As one of the deadliest cancers, esophageal cancer has an overall 5 year survival rate of only 18.8%.

-There are no routine or standard screenings to improve early detection of esophageal cancer.

-Symptoms often arise late, once the cancer is considered advanced or “distant” (spread to lymph nodes and other organs.)

-Stage IV esophageal cancer has a survival rate of only 4.6%.

-Despite these facts, esophageal cancer research is extremely underfunded.

To make a tax-deductible donation to our charity, please visit: salgi.org/donate

We created an ebook titled: “Esophageal Cancer Survivor Stories.”

These stories from esophageal cancer survivors have brought us so much inspiration and we are honored to share them with you and with as many people as possible.

While esophageal cancer does have lower survival rates compared to other cancers, it is our hope that those facing a diagnosis and their families also have access to testimony that esophageal cancer can be beat.

Many of those who have shared their story did not “fit the mold” when they were diagnosed.  There is a misconception that esophageal cancer “only” affects older, overweight, Caucasian males.  However, esophageal cancer is considered one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers.  Due to this fact, it is also rapidly affecting both men and women of all ages.

These stories highlight the importance of early detection, routine screening, quality treatment and the significance of staying positive and having hope when you feel hopeless.

Thank you to all of the survivors and/or their family member(s) who have shared their story! To those who are facing a diagnosis or currently battling esophageal cancer, we send you our very best well wishes for health, healing, strength and hope and to all who have passed away, we will forever hold you close in our hearts.

Esophageal Cancer Survivor Stories ebook is available in the following formats: epub, mobi (Kindle) pdf, online reader, pdb, txt.

To download a FREE copy of the ebook, please visit: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/881856

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Join us for a fundraising event on Saturday, July 14th from 1-4 PM at Kendra Scott Soutport in Chicago to raise money for esophageal cancer awareness and research efforts! 20% of all proceeds will benefit The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. Enjoy sips, sweets and jewels!

Kendra Scott Southport

3426 N Southport Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

Not going to be in Chicago that day, but want to participate? Not a problem! You can place a phone order! 708-669-0230.

Together we can raise awareness, and get one step closer to ending esophageal cancer once and for all!

Please help us make this a great success by sharing this event on Facebook, click here, and share the image below on Instagram! Tag us in your posts @SalgiFoundation.  Thank you!

Kendra Scott Fundraising Event in Chicago, IL benefiting The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation

In 2016, Colleen C was diagnosed with Stage II esophageal cancer at age of 29 and shared her experiences on the podcast: Stories with a Purpose.

“Colleen tells her story about overcoming esophageal cancer by relying on family, great medical care, and extraordinary patient navigator. Listen to how this experience has re-energized her focus on care-giving and help for special needs kids.”

To listen to the podcast interview, please click here.

Colleen was diagnosed with Stage II esophageal cancer at age of 29.

Read Colleen’s story below:

“My name is Colleen and I am currently 31 years old.  In March of 2016 at the ripe age of 29, I went to see a GI doctor for chronic heartburn but now I was experiencing intense stomach aches. My doctor essentially thought it was ulcers and wanted me to have an endoscopy done. Low and behold my doctor found a tumor where my stomach and esophagus intersect. The next day I was diagnosed with stage 2 esophageal cancer and my honeymoon was abruptly put on hold. I was a newlywed and scared out of my mind to be diagnosed with a “rare” cancer.

I was also the youngest patient my hospital had ever seen with this type of cancer. Because they had the tumor “exactly where they wanted it” without spreading the completed esophagectomy surgery 2 weeks later. It was then followed by fertility treatments, chemotherapy, and radiation.

I spent my 30th birthday recovering in the CVTU learning how to regain my new “normal” life. Learning how to re-eat was absolutely quite the struggle; in fact i’m still learning my limits. I work out more, watch what I eat, and try to not let anything get in the way of my sense of humor.

If I didn’t make fun of myself and what I was going through I would have never made it out of this horror story. Just because I’m now in remission doesn’t mean I don’t live with the fear everyday that cancer can return. I try to keep my mind busy and my anxiety at bay. I’m loving life and doing my best to advocate early detection for symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn.”

Esophageal Cancer Fast Facts:

Esophageal cancer has increased over 600% in the past three decades and is currently considered the fastest growing cancer in the United States and western world.  Due to it’s rapid increase, esophageal cancer is affecting more and more people: both men and women of all ages and every ethnicity.   There are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer and symptoms often do not occur until the cancer has spread.

Thank you Colleen for sharing your experiences on the podcast and with The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation.  As Colleen stated, if there is something off or amiss with your health, please speak to your doctor immediately and remember that you are your own best advocate when it comes to your personal health.

Take Colleen’s advise: “If it doesn’t feel right, get it checked.”

Please join us in raising awareness of esophageal cancer and Colleen’s story by sharing this post!

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