It is not possible to say what causes oesophageal cancer in a single person. We do know there are some features that are more common in people who develop oesophageal cancer. These features are called ”risk factors”.
But it is usually hard to be sure whether a risk factor contributed to the development of the cancer. And having one or more risk factors for breast cancer does not mean that someone will develop this cancer. In fact, many people with oesophageal cancer have no obvious risk factors.
Some factors can even lower your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer you can change:
- tobacco smoking
- being overweight
- drinking alcohol
- eating a diet low in fresh fruit and vegetables
- eating lots of smoked, salted or pickled food
- frequent drinking of very hot liquids.
Risk factors for oesophageal cancer you can’t change
- getting older
- medical conditions such as reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) and Barrett’s oesophagus (a change that happens to the oesophagus in someone who has reflux for a long time)
If you have any of these risk factors or you’re worried about your risk for oesophageal cancer, yarn with your doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker.