Rhode Island State House to Recognize April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Rhode Island State House to Recognize April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

On April 1, the State House will recognize April as ‘Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month’ for the fourth consecutive year thanks to the collaboration of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation and Representative Patricia Serpa (D- West Warwick, Coventry and Warwick).  According to the National Cancer Institution, esophageal cancer is considered one of the fastest-growing cancer in the United States. 

Esophageal cancer adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased over 600% in the past decades, making it the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or acid reflux disease, is one of the primary risk factors and affects one out of five Americans.  Many are unaware that risk factors for esophageal cancer include chronic heartburn, indigestion, obesity, poor nutrition, smoking and excessive drinking until it is too late.  

In addition to the alarming increase, esophageal cancer is also one of the deadliest cancers; patients diagnosed with Stage IV face a survival rate of only 3.8%. There are typically no shown symptoms in the early stages of the cancer. Warning signs such as difficulty swallowing, sensation of food getting stuck, chronic cough, among others, typically arise once the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other organs. Also, there are no routine or standard screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earlier stages.

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The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has launched a petition to have President Barack Obama, who suffers from acid reflux, recognize and proclaim April as ‘National Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month’.  So far, the petition has garnered over 2,000 supporters from across the United States and internationally.