Cancers at a glance

Click the cancer types below to view the latest key facts on trends in new cases, deaths and survival in NSW.

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In depth cancer reports

For detailed data and analysis, please see the latest cancer reports published by the Cancer Institute

Cancer in NSW: Incidence and Mortality 2008

Other cancer reports

Online cancer statistics

Run detailed and customised reports on specific cancers, with comparisons on age, genders and geography:

Online statistics module

Oesophageal cancer

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Oesophageal cancer accounts for 1.2 per cent of all new cancer in NSW and 2.6 per cent of cancer deaths.

At a glance

2008 statistics Men Women All People
Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate Trend Cases Rate
New cases 296 8.2 icon-trend-static.png 133 3.0 positive trend downwards 24.1 429 5.5
Deaths 221 6.2 icon-trend-static.png 118 2.5 icon-trend-static.png 339 4.3
Relative survival
(5 year)		 15% icon-trend-static.png 2% 20% icon-trend-static.png 4% -

icon-trend-static.png No statistically significant change.

  • Oesophageal cancer is the 20th most common cancer in NSW and 13th overall in cancer mortality.
  • One in 86 males and one in 235 females will develop oesophageal cancer by the age of 85.

Cases refers to the number of people with the disease; Rate means cases per 100,000 people (age standardised); Trend means the change in the rate over 10 years.

Historical trends

New cases

Age-standardised incidence, NSW

oseaphageal-incidence.png

Deaths

Age-standardised mortality, NSW

oseaphageal-mortality.png

 

Risk factors

  • Tobacco smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are major causes of oesophageal cancer.
  • A combination of smoking and drinking significantly increases risk. Males are three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than females.
  • Chronic reflux is associated with Barrett's oesophagus, a premalignant precursor of oesophageal cancer  (adenocarcinoma).
  • Males are 2.9 times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer.
  • Excessive consumption of red meat, processed meat and hot drinks are risk factors.

 

Prevention

Avoiding tobacco smoking and heavy drinking are the best ways to prevent oesophageal cancer. For advice on quitting, speak to a doctor, a pharmacist or call the Quitline on 13-QUIT.

A diet high in fruit and vegetables may also be protective.

In 2009-10, the NSW Government spent $10 million on cancer prevention campaigns targeting tobacco smoking.

Detection and screening

There is no screening method for oesophageal cancer.

Symptoms may include pain when swallowing, fever, weight loss or food may become stuck in the oesophagus. However, these symptoms are also associated with illnesses that are not cancer.

A doctor usually refers the patient to a cancer specialist for further examination, tests and treatment.

Research

Around $6.5 million was spent on research into upper gastrointestinal cancers, including oesophageal cancer, in NSW between 2007 and 2009.

Data sources:

  1. Cancer In NSW, Incidence and Mortality Report 2008. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW, August 2010.
  2. Cancer Research in NSW 2007-2009. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW. March 2011.
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