Statistics

Just The Facts

• Esophageal Cancer is 3 - 4 times more common in men than women
• The incidence of Esophageal Cancer increases with age - about eight out of ten people diagnosed are between ages 55 and 85
• The American Cancer Society estimated that during 2008, 16,470 new cases of Esophageal Cancer cases would be diagnosed in the United States and 14,280 deaths from esophageal cancer would occur - more deaths than those expected to be caused by melanoma
• Most people with Esophageal Cancer will eventually die of this disease because Esophageal Cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage
• Survival rates are improving: 45 years ago, only 4% of all white patients and 1% of all African-American patients survived at least 5 years after diagnosis versus 18% of white patients and 11% of African-American patients who now survive at least 5 years after diagnosis

Reference Information from the American Cancer Society

What is cancer of the esophagus?
What are the key statistics about cancer of the esophagus?
Causes, risk factors and prevention of esophageal cancer
Early detection, diagnosis and staging of esophageal cancer
Treating esophageal cancer
Talking with your doctor about esophageal cancer
More information about esophageal cancer