Fastest Growing Cancer In America

Fastest growing cancer in America.

Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States. Unlike a number of other types of cancers a number of of esophageal cancers could be linked to the irritation caused by the stomach acid on the lower end of esophagus. Chronic irritation in this area may cause changes and damage that may eventually lead to the development of cancer.

An estimated Some 3 million Americans are thought to have a type of esophagus damage from severe acid reflux that puts them at increased risk for the deadly cancer. This is called Barrett's esophagitis. Scientists are trying to explore ways in which the damaged areas can reverted to normal so that cancer can be prevented. This issue becomes important when we recognize that there has been a six-fold increase in esophageal cancer the last two decades in the main sub type of esophageal cancer that is associated with acid reflux.

Once diagnosed with esophageal cancer, the outcome is commonly poor with just 16% of patients living five years after the diagnosis. It is estimated that a total of 13,770 people would die of esophageal cancer every year. People who have Barrett's esophagus are believed to be at least 30 times more likely than the average person to get esophageal cancer.