Getting Started
Know Your Risks

Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Take this simple assessment to learn about your risks for this type of cancer.

OverviewSee All
 Esophageal Cancer: Introduction in Overview
Esophageal cancer is cancer that starts in your esophagus. This is the tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Newly Diagnosed in Overview
Being told you have esophageal cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. Know that you have people on your healthcare team who can help. ...more
Anyone can get esophageal cancer. But there are some factors that can increase your risk for it. Learn which ones. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms in Overview
Esophageal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. When this cancer does cause symptoms, they're often like those you might have with other health issues, such as indigestion. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Introduction in Overview
Esophageal cancer is cancer that starts in your esophagus. This is the tube that carries food and liquid from your throat to your stomach. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Newly Diagnosed in Overview
Being told you have esophageal cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. Know that you have people on your healthcare team who can help. ...more
Anyone can get esophageal cancer. But there are some factors that can increase your risk for it. Learn which ones. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms in Overview
Esophageal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. When this cancer does cause symptoms, they're often like those you might have with other health issues, such as indigestion. ...more
Understanding Your DiagnosisSee All
After you're diagnosed with esophageal cancer, you'll likely have other tests. These tests help your healthcare providers learn more about your cancer. ...more
 Chest X-Ray in Understanding Your Diagnosis
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. ...more
 Upper GI Endoscopy in Understanding Your Diagnosis
An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Read on to learn more about the procedure, including why you might need it, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after. ...more
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series is an imaging test of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It is done with X-rays. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this test. ...more
CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays. ...more
The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. The most commonly used system to stage esophageal cancer is called the TNM classification. ...more
If your healthcare provider thinks you have esophageal cancer, you'll need tests. You may have imaging tests and a biopsy. ...more
After you're diagnosed with esophageal cancer, you'll likely have other tests. These tests help your healthcare providers learn more about your cancer. ...more
 Chest X-Ray in Understanding Your Diagnosis
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs. ...more
 Upper GI Endoscopy in Understanding Your Diagnosis
An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Read on to learn more about the procedure, including why you might need it, how to get ready for it, and what happens during and after. ...more
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) series is an imaging test of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). It is done with X-rays. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this test. ...more
CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays. ...more
The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. The most commonly used system to stage esophageal cancer is called the TNM classification. ...more
If your healthcare provider thinks you have esophageal cancer, you'll need tests. You may have imaging tests and a biopsy. ...more
Deciding on TreatmentSee All
There are many treatment choices for esophageal cancer. Learn which treatments may be a choice for you. ...more
Talking with healthcare providers about your cancer can be overwhelming. Here are some questions to ask during your appointments. ...more
ChemotherapyRadiationSurgeryOther Treatments
There are many treatment choices for esophageal cancer. Learn which treatments may be a choice for you. ...more
Talking with healthcare providers about your cancer can be overwhelming. Here are some questions to ask during your appointments. ...more
Managing Side EffectsSee All
You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more
Cancer of the esophagus can narrow your esophagus, making it difficult or painful to swallow and take in the nutrition you need. You can get help from an important member of your treatment team: the nutrition specialist. ...more
Chemotherapy Side EffectsOther Treatment Side Effects
You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more
Cancer of the esophagus can narrow your esophagus, making it difficult or painful to swallow and take in the nutrition you need. You can get help from an important member of your treatment team: the nutrition specialist. ...more
Cancer FAQsSee All
 Esophageal Cancer: Overview in Cancer FAQs
The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal cancer starts in cells that make up the inner lining layer of the esophagus. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more
 Esophageal Cancer: Overview in Cancer FAQs
The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal cancer starts in cells that make up the inner lining layer of the esophagus. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more