Not all cases of esophageal cancer can be prevented, but the risk of developing this disease can be greatly reduced by avoiding certain risk factors.

Certain risk factors (like age and sex) cannot be changed but others can. In the United States, the most important lifestyle risk factors for cancer of the esophagus are the use of tobacco and alcohol. The risk of esophageal cancer increases by 18 times in people who drink more than about 13 ounces of alcohol a day for years. If this same person smokes at least 1 to 2 packs of cigarettes a day, the risk of esophageal cancer increases 44 times. Avoiding these 2 factors is the best way to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

Diet and exercise are also important. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw, is thought to help protect against esophageal cancer. Also, since obesity has been associated with esophageal cancer, particularly the adenocarcinoma type, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of this disease.

Some studies have found that the risk of cancer of the esophagus is reduced in people who take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen. However, using these drugs every day can lead to problems, such as kidney damage and bleeding in the stomach. For this reason, NSAIDs are not widely used to prevent cancer. If you are thinking of using an NSAID regularly, you first should discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.

In addition, persons at increased risk for esophageal cancer, such as those with Barrett esophagus, are often monitored closely (with endoscopy and biopsy) to look for signs that could mean that the cells lining the esophagus have become more abnormal. If dysplasia (a pre-cancerous condition) is found, the doctor may recommend treatments to prevent further progression to esophageal cancer.

Treating reflux may be able to prevent Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer. Often, reflux is treated using drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Examples of these drugs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Surgery is also an option for treating reflux. For those who already have Barrett esophagus, treatment with a high dose of a PPI may lower the risk of developing cell changes that can turn into cancer (dysplasia). If you have chronic heartburn (or GERD), you should speak with your health care team about it. Treatment can improve symptoms and may prevent future problems.

Last Medical Review: 05/04/2009
Last Revised: 05/13/2009