Oesophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK and one of the deadliest, ranking as the 4th most common cause of cancer death in men and the 7th most common cause in women. Oesophageal cancer occurs within the inner tissue lining of the oesophagus and can develop anywhere along the gullet. If left untreated, a tumour can grow and spread, significantly affecting the patient’s health
- Around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK each year, which equates to 26 cases every day.
- The condition accounts for 2% of all new cancer cases in the UK.
- Among females, it is the 16th most common cancer, with approximately 2,900 new cases annually.
- Among males, it ranks 9th, with around 6,500 new cases annually.
- The highest incidence rates occur in individuals aged 85 to 89 years old.
- 41% of cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 75 and over.
- Over the past decade, incidence rates have dropped by 4%, with a 10% decrease in females, while rates in males have remained stable.
The first noticeable symptom is typically dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). As the tumour grows, it restricts the oesophagus, making it harder for food to pass through.
Other symptoms include:
- Vomiting after eating
- Choking
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss and appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in the tummy, chest, or back
- Frequent indigestion or heartburn
- Unexplained chest infections
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. Causes and Risk Factors While the exact cause of oesophageal cancer is unknown, several risk factors can increase its likelihood, these include:
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) - Long-term acid reflux can damage the oesophagus lining.
- Barrett’s Oesophagus- A condition where abnormal cells develop in the lower oesophagus due to prolonged acid reflux. 3% to 13% of people with Barrett’s oesophagus develop oesophageal cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption
- Tobacco Use
- Obesity
- Age - Risk increases with age, with 40% of cases occurring in individuals aged 75 and over.
- Radiotherapy - Undergoing radiotherapy for cancers such as breast, lung, or throat cancer may slightly increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
To read more about causes and risk factors, visit the NHS website.
Diagnosis
The main diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer is an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to see inside the body using a long, flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope has a light and camera that sends images to a screen so the doctor can see inside the body. This procedure allows doctors to examine the oesophagus lining, stomach, and duodenum NHS. It can also be used for certain treatments.
Treatment for Oesophageal cancer includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.
Daniel Fourie, Consultant Paralegal, and Specialist Medical Negligence Paralegal from MDS states, “Oesophageal cancer remains a significant health challenge in the UK, with thousands diagnosed annually. Due to its late-stage detection and low survival rates, awareness of its risk factors, symptoms, and early diagnostic methods is crucial.”
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity claims, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by a delay in diagnosing oesophageal cancer. Click here for further information concerning how we can help when there has been a delay in cancer treatment.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
