| Theme |
Preventive Medicine of Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| Title |
Esophageal Cancer : Epidemiology and Screening |
| Author |
Takeshi Yoshida |
Department of Gastroenterology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yuichi Shimizu |
Division of Endoscopy, Hokkaido University Medical Hospital |
| Author |
Jo-jo Hirota |
Department of Gastroenterology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yuji Ono |
Department of Gastroenterology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Mototsugu Kato |
Division of Endoscopy, Hokkaido University Medical Hospital |
| Author |
Masahiro Asaka |
Department of Gastroenterology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The incidence of esophageal cancer in Japan is high compared to the incidence in Western countries. Most cases of esophageal cancer in Japan are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Drinking and smoking are the main risk factors for esophageal cancer. They are particularly high risk factors for synchronous or metachronous SCC of the esophagus, as well as head and neck cancer in ALDH 2-deficient people. On the other hand, in countries with high incidences of esophageal cancer in which the percentage of the population who drink and smoke is low, factors such a insufficient nutrition and human papillomavirus infection are considered to be risks. A family history of esophageal cancer, achalasia and corrosive esophagitis are also known to be risk factors. Esophageal cancer is also frequently accompanied by multiple primary cancer in other organs, especially in the head and neck. Endoscopic screening using iodine-staining is needed for groups at risk for development of esophageal cancer. |