Esophageal cancer starts in the cells of the esophagus. The esophagus is a hollow, muscular tube that carries food and drink from the back of your mouth down to your stomach. Cancer of the esophagus can start anywhere along the length of the esophagus.
Cancers that develop in internal organs (such as the esophagus) are less likely to present symptoms, and more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage (Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2018).
Listed below are two main types of esophageal cancer where treatment is similar in both cases:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Starts in the cells that line the esophagus. These Cancers usually develop in the upper and middle part of the esophagus.
Adenocarcinoma:
Starts in the glandular cells in the lower part of the Esophagus.
Statistics:
According to the 2025 Canadian Cancer Statistics, an estimated 2,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer (2,100 males and 640 females).
In terms of mortality rate, it is estimated that 2,500 Canadians will die from the cancer (1,950 being males and 550 being females)
Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2025
More Information
Canadian Esophageal Cancer Organizations
International Esophageal Cancer Organizations