Esophageal cancer or cancer of the esophagus is found in the tissue that lines the esophagus. Knowing the risk factors will help you with esophageal cancer prevention.

Alcohol and Tobacco—Use of alcohol and tobacco greatly increases your chances of developing esophageal cancer.

Diet—You can decrease your chances of developing this cancer with a diet containing plenty of green and yellow fruits and vegetables as well as vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli.

Aspirin—Use of aspirin and other nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the likelihood of developing esophageal cancer.

Gastric atrophy—Gastric atrophy, caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria, can increase your chance of developing this type of cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease—It starts with gastroesophageal reflux disease, which leads to Barrett’s Esophagus, a disorder in which stomach acid reaches the lining of the esophagus, causing cellular changes or the replacement by abnormal cells. Currently, it is unknown if the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease will reduce your risk of this cancer.

For more details, you can visit the National Cancer Institute’s page on esophageal cancer.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.