Report: Esophageal cancer on the rise for middle-aged adults

The number of middle-aged adults being diagnosed with esophageal cancer is increasing.

A University of Florida study finds the rate of esophageal cancer among adults ages 45 to 64 nearly doubled between 2012 and 2019.

Esophageal cancer usually goes undetected until it becomes advanced.

There was also a 50% increase in the pre-cancerous condition Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus is caused mainly by chronic acid reflux.

Other risk factors include obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption and advanced age.

The authors say the findings suggest middle-aged patients with several of those risk factors might benefit from earlier and more frequent screening.