Am I At Risk for Esophageal Cancer? 
There is no way to know for sure if you’re going to get esophageal cancer. And there is no known way to prevent it. Certain factors can make you more likely to get this type of cancer than another person. These are called risk factors. Here are the known risk factors for esophageal cancer. Tell your doctor if you feel you may be at risk.
I smoke and drink alcohol.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are both risk factors for developing esophageal cancer. Together, they form the highest risk of getting esophageal cancer. Smoking and drinking are risk factors for other cancers too, such as cancers of the head, neck, and upper airways.
I am between the ages of 55 and 70.
Men and women between ages 55 and 70 are at greater risk of getting esophageal cancer. Older or younger people can still develop esophageal cancer, though.
I am a man.
Men are 3 times more likely to get esophageal cancer than women.
I am African-American.
African-American people are 50% more likely to get esophageal cancer than Caucasian people.
I have an irritated esophagus.
If your esophagus is irritated for a long time, cancer is more likely to occur. Irritation happens when fluid from your stomach comes up into your lower esophagus. This problem is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). About 30% of esophageal cancer cases are related to GERD. Over time, the reflux may cause the cells in the esophagus to change. This condition is called Barrett’s esophagus. In some cases, Barrett’s esophagus leads to esophageal cancer. People with this condition are about 50 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than someone without the condition.
I have radiation esophagitis.
In this condition, the esophagus becomes irritated by radiation treatment for other cancers such as lymphoma, lung, or breast cancer.
I have had previous surgery on my stomach or esophagus.
Surgery of the stomach or esophagus may be linked to getting esophageal cancer.
I weigh much more than I should.
People who are obese are at higher risk of the adenocarcinoma type of esophageal cancer. If you are a man who develops this type of cancer and you are obese, your risk of dying from the cancer is also higher compared with men who aren’t overweight.
I eat very few fruits or vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help prevent cancer, including cancer of the esophagus. If you eat few fruits or vegetables, you may have a deficiency of these vitamins and minerals. This puts you at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer. More people have esophageal cancer in countries, such as China , where fruits and vegetables aren’t a main part of the diet.
I often drink very hot liquids.
Drinking very hot liquids frequently can increase your risk for some kinds of esophageal cancer.
More Rare Risk Factors
These more rare factors may also lead to esophageal cancer.