There are two main types of oesophageal cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in squamous cells that line the middle and upper part of the oesophagus
- Adenocarcinoma, which begins in glandular tissue in the lower part of the oesophagus.
Incidence
Nationwide there were 1460 new cases of oesophageal cancer in 2012.
Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75
Men: 1 in 151 
Women: 1 in 576
Causes/Risk Factors
The causes of oesophageal cancer are not fully understood.
Established risk factors include smoking, alcohol and obesity.
If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.