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Esophageal cancer screening, early detection and treatment: Current insights and future directions

  • 0Department of Emergency, Yantai Mountain Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology +

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April 25, 2024

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April 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Esophageal cancer is aggressive with low survival rates. Early screening, diagnosis, and treatment, especially via endoscopy, are crucial for reducing incidence and mortality globally.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background

  • Esophageal cancer is a leading global malignancy with high mortality and poor survival rates (15%-25% 5-year survival).
  • Significant global variations exist in incidence and risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (EAC).
  • EAC is the most common subtype in Europe and the US, while squamous cell carcinoma is prevalent in parts of Asia.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To highlight the global burden of esophageal cancer and its histological subtypes.
  • To discuss the varying effectiveness and approaches to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer worldwide.
  • To emphasize the importance of early detection strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods

  • Review of global cancer statistics (2020) for esophageal cancer incidence and mortality.
  • Analysis of regional variations in histological subtypes and their associated risk factors.
  • Examination of the role and effectiveness of early diagnosis and endoscopic treatments in different geographical areas.

Main Results

  • Approximately 604,000 new cases and 544,000 deaths from esophageal cancer were reported in 2020.
  • Endoscopy-based early diagnosis is cost-effective and common in high-incidence regions like China.
  • Advanced endoscopic methods are effective treatments for early-stage esophageal cancer, preserving function with minimal complications.

Conclusions

  • Early screening, prompt diagnosis, and timely treatment are vital for reducing esophageal cancer occurrence and mortality.
  • Regional differences in early diagnosis rates influence treatment strategies and outcomes.
  • Endoscopic techniques offer promising therapeutic options for early-stage esophageal cancer, particularly in high-incidence populations.

Keywords:

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