Epidemiology of ESCC

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common cause of death from cancer. More than 80 % of esophageal cancer cases and deaths occur in developing countries, and approximately 90 % are squamous cell carcinomas in the high-incidence regions. The incidence rates of esophageal cancer show wide variation internationally. It has been shown to be two to four times more common among men than women in general; however in Japan it is approximately seven times more common among males. Both incidence and mortality are on the rise since 1960 due to the aging Japanese population, while age-adjusted rates are consistently decreasing with the exception of the increasing male incidence rate. Established risk factors for esophageal squamous carcinoma include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while fruit and vegetable intake show high probability in preventing esophageal cancer. Likewise, intake of high-temperature beverages and foods show high probability of increasing risk through heat damage in the esophagus. Approximately 88 % of male esophageal cancer (52 % for females) in Japan is thought to have been avoidable by lifestyle improvement such as refraining from smoking of tobacco and alcohol use, while maintaining sufficient fruit and vegetable intake.