Causes and risk factors of oesophageal cancer
What are risk factors?
We do not know exactly what causes oesophageal cancer. But certain things can increase the chance of developing oesophageal cancer. These are called risk factors.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will definitely get oesophageal cancer. Or if you do not have any risk factors, you may still be diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
We do not yet know why only some people who have risk factors develop oesophageal cancer.
Oesophageal cancer is not infectious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
If you are worried about oesophageal cancer and would like to talk to someone, we're here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Long-term acid reflux
When too much stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, it is called acid reflux or heartburn. If it happens 2 to 3 times a week, this may be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is a common problem. Having GORD increases the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
In some people, acid reflux causes damage to the cells in the lining of the oesophagus. Over time, this causes abnormal cells to develop in the lower oesophagus. This is called Barrett’s oesophagus. It is not cancer, but a small number of people with Barrett’s oesophagus develop cancer. This means Barrett’s oesophagus is a pre-cancerous condition.
Being overweight
Being overweight may increase your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Sex
Oesophageal cancer is more common in men than women. For men in the UK, it is the 9th most common cancer. In women in the UK, it is the 15th most common cancer.
Age
Like most cancers, the risk of oesophageal cancer increases as you get older.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of oesophageal cancer. The risk is greater the more you smoke, and the longer you smoke for. All types of smoking are harmful. The risk reduces when you stop smoking.
Chewing tobacco
Research has also shown that chewing smokeless tobacco, such as betel quid, paan or gutkha, increases the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Alcohol
Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time increases your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
NHS guidelines suggest that you should:
- not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol in a week
- spread the alcohol units you drink in a week over 3 or more days
- try to have several alcohol-free days every week
A unit of alcohol is half a pint of ordinary-strength beer, lager or cider, one small glass (125ml) of wine, or a single measure (25ml) of spirits.
Your risk increases if you drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. People who drink alcohol and also smoke may have a greater risk.
Diet
A diet that is high in pickled vegetables may increase your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
Previous cancer treatment
Previous radiotherapy to the chest, such as to treat lung or breast cancer, may increase your risk of developing oesophageal cancer. This is very rare.
Related pages
Other medical conditions
The following rare conditions can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer:
- Achalasia – in this condition, the valve between the oesophagus and stomach does not relax properly, so food builds up in the lower oesophagus.
- Tylosis – patients with this inherited skin condition are also at high risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our oesophageal cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
European Society for Medical Oncology. Oesophageal Cancer: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. 2022. Available from www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/gastrointestinal-cancers/oesophageal-cancer [accessed July 2023].
National Institute for Care and Health Excellence. Oesophago-gastric cancer: assessment and management in adults NICE guideline [NG83]. 2018. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng83 [accessed July 2023].
Dr Chris Jones
Reviewer
Speciality Registrar in Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Oncology
Date reviewed
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