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Reducing Your Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Reducing Your Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Things that can help reduce the risk of esophageal cancer are:

Quit Smoking

Tobacco use is the biggest risk for esophageal cancer. People who smoke and drink have an even higher risk. All forms of smoking are harmful. The sooner smoking is stopped, the sooner the body can heal.

Quit Smoking

Tobacco use is the biggest risk for esophageal cancer. People who smoke and drink have an even higher risk. All forms of smoking are harmful. The sooner smoking is stopped, the sooner the body can heal.

Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation

Drinking too much alcohol can raise the risk of esophageal cancer. Those who drink should aim for moderation. For women this means no more than one drink per day. For men it means no more than two drinks per day.

Eat a Healthful Diet

A healthful diet can lower the risk of esophageal and many other types of cancer. Aim for a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and dietary fiber. Limit high fat dairy, processed foods, and red meat.

Avoid drinking hot beverages right away. Allow them to cool down first.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of esophageal cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of regular exercise on most days of the week.

Manage Work Exposures

Many people are exposed to chemicals at work. Steps should be taken to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals. This may mean finding a different work environment. If that is not possible, protective guidelines may be found at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or the Environmental Protection Agency .

Manage Environmental Exposures

Exposure to radiation can cause problems. It builds up in the body over time. It may be hard to avoid this. Some tests and treatments use radiation. The doctor or dentist can discuss risks and benefits.

Avoid inhaling harsh, burning chemicals like lye or drain cleaner. They should be locked away from children.

Manage Health Conditions

Some health problems raise the risk of esophageal cancer. They include:

Talk to Your Doctor About the Benefits of Aspirin

Aspirin may help lower the risk of esophageal cancer. However, aspirin can have side effects. It is important to look at risks and benefits. The doctor can help with that.

References

  • Esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/esophageal-and-esophagogastric-junction-cancer. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Esophageal cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/tumors-of-the-gi-tract/esophageal-cancer. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Esophagus cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003098-pdf.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Short MW, Burgers KG, et al. Esophageal Cancer. Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(1):22-28.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD
Last Updated:
2021-01-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.