Cancer Research UK main site

Oesophageal cancer

JRI
Offline

Good morning.

My friend of 50 years, aged 68, died on Boxing Day from metastatic oesophageal carcinoma, after being diagnosed three years ago. This has focused my mind a little, and I have been trying to find out the simple statistics associated with the disease, as I have begun to suffer from reflux. it is quite bewildering trying to get a simple answer to my questions:

What % of the male population under 65 develop cancer of any type.What % of the male population under 65 develop oesophageal carcinoma 

Would anyone you be able to help me with this?

 

Many thanks,

JRI

  • Hi JRI and thanks for posting.

    I'm sorry to hear about your friend.  This must be a difficult time for you. 

    When someone close to us dies  from cancer, it can make us worry about our own health.

    I have found some information about the risk of developing cancer for men under the age of 65.  This is for all types of cancer. The risk of being diagnosed with any type of cancer for men under the age of 65 is 12.1%.  This means 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 65.

    I could not find the same information for men aged under 65 with oesophageal cancer, I found information for lifetime risk in people born after 1960.  The lifetime risk for men is 2%, this means 1 in 50 men will be diagnosed with oesophageal cancer during their lifetime.

    The statistical information we have on our website talks about the number of cases per 100,000, rather than percentage of the population as a whole.  You can look at the information for all types of cancer here by age. 

    You can find the statistics about oesophageal cancer here, this includes information about age.

    You mentioned you were suffering from reflux, you can find out more about signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer here.  It is unlikely for your symptoms to be cancer, but if you are worried make an appointment with your GP so they are able to assess you.

    I know I have included lots of information here.  If you would find it helpful to talk it through, get in touch with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care

    Rachel

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Rachel

    I have recently been diagnosed with the same cancer and so far have no symptoms apart from tiredness. I'm due to start chemo this week but have been told that it is incurable, and has spread to my liver. I would like to hear from others with similar diagnosis or experience.

  • in reply to XJo

    Hi XJo,

    I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.

    You have posted in the ask the nurses section of the forum, you may get more responses from others if you post in another section, such as 'Recently diagnosed'.  Please do remember though that everyone is different, and people will have different experiences and outcomes, even with a very similar diagnosis.

    You may also find it useful to contact the Oesophageal Patient's Association who provide information and support to people affected by oesophageal cancer. They offer patient support meetings providing the opportunity for patients to meet former patients

    If you have anything you want to ask us, the cancer information nurses, please do post here again and we can answer you.

    I hope this is helpful but please do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Rachel

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.