New cases come from SEER 12. Deaths come from U.S. Mortality. All Races, Both Sexes. Rates are Age-Adjusted. Modeled trend lines were calculated from the underlying rates using the Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. The 2020 incidence rate is displayed but not used in the fit of the trend line(s). Impact of COVID on SEER Cancer Incidence 2020 data
New cases are also referred to as incident cases in other publications. Rates of new cases are also referred to as incidence rates.
Age-Adjusted Rates of New Cases/Deaths Per 100,000 & 5-Year Relative Survival Percentages
Year
Rate of New Cases — SEER 8
Rate of New Cases — SEER 12
Death Rate — U.S.
5-Year Relative Survival — SEER 8
Observed
Modeled Trend
Observed
Modeled Trend
Observed
Modeled Trend
Observed
Modeled Trend
1975
3.74
3.79
-
-
3.69
3.67
3.95%
4.26%
1976
3.99
3.83
-
-
3.74
3.70
4.51%
4.58%
1977
3.78
3.86
-
-
3.70
3.73
6.66%
4.91%
1978
3.93
3.89
-
-
3.79
3.75
4.69%
5.26%
1979
4.19
3.92
-
-
3.76
3.78
5.16%
5.62%
1980
3.93
3.96
-
-
3.85
3.81
5.45%
6.00%
1981
3.65
3.99
-
-
3.82
3.84
7.70%
6.39%
1982
3.96
4.02
-
-
3.84
3.86
7.79%
6.80%
1983
3.91
4.06
-
-
3.85
3.89
6.42%
7.23%
1984
4.01
4.09
-
-
3.93
3.92
8.92%
7.67%
1985
4.08
4.12
-
-
3.86
3.95
7.70%
8.13%
1986
4.43
4.16
-
-
3.94
3.98
9.90%
8.61%
1987
4.32
4.19
-
-
3.97
4.01
9.14%
9.10%
1988
4.22
4.23
-
-
4.05
4.03
9.38%
9.61%
1989
4.15
4.27
-
-
4.11
4.06
9.82%
10.13%
1990
4.54
4.30
-
-
4.10
4.09
9.72%
10.67%
1991
4.39
4.34
-
-
4.13
4.12
12.72%
11.23%
1992
4.38
4.37
4.29
4.21
4.17
4.15
15.43%
11.80%
1993
4.26
4.41
4.32
4.25
4.19
4.18
11.77%
12.38%
1994
4.29
4.45
4.11
4.30
4.27
4.21
13.20%
12.98%
1995
4.25
4.48
4.29
4.34
4.26
4.24
11.52%
13.60%
1996
4.67
4.52
4.50
4.38
4.31
4.27
15.28%
14.22%
1997
4.57
4.56
4.39
4.43
4.25
4.30
12.94%
14.87%
1998
4.57
4.60
4.39
4.48
4.36
4.34
12.60%
15.52%
1999
4.87
4.64
4.66
4.52
4.35
4.37
17.84%
16.19%
2000
4.57
4.68
4.32
4.48
4.39
4.40
20.05%
16.87%
2001
4.77
4.72
4.57
4.45
4.43
4.43
18.19%
17.57%
2002
4.45
4.69
4.21
4.41
4.41
4.42
16.97%
17.95%
2003
4.47
4.65
4.24
4.37
4.38
4.41
16.05%
18.33%
2004
5.21
4.62
4.86
4.33
4.36
4.40
20.88%
18.72%
2005
4.52
4.59
4.22
4.30
4.44
4.39
18.98%
19.11%
2006
4.63
4.56
4.22
4.26
4.41
4.38
19.76%
19.50%
2007
4.60
4.53
4.21
4.22
4.27
4.33
22.25%
19.90%
2008
4.56
4.50
4.22
4.19
4.22
4.28
18.39%
20.30%
2009
4.45
4.47
4.28
4.15
4.18
4.23
20.34%
20.70%
2010
4.30
4.45
4.05
4.11
4.26
4.19
23.17%
21.11%
2011
4.41
4.42
4.12
4.08
4.16
4.14
18.89%
21.52%
2012
4.35
4.39
3.97
4.04
4.11
4.09
20.53%
21.93%
2013
4.16
4.36
3.86
4.01
4.04
4.05
22.63%
22.34%
2014
4.17
4.33
3.86
3.98
4.01
4.00
22.07%
22.76%
2015
4.37
4.30
3.94
3.94
3.99
3.96
22.86%
23.18%
2016
4.17
4.27
3.80
3.91
3.97
3.91
24.55%
23.60%
2017
4.40
4.25
3.93
3.87
3.84
3.87
-
24.02%
2018
4.13
4.22
3.74
3.84
3.79
3.83
-
24.45%
2019
4.13
4.19
3.82
3.81
3.85
3.78
-
24.88%
2020
3.95
4.16
3.58
3.78
3.69
3.74
-
25.31%
2021
4.35
4.14
3.94
3.74
3.66
3.70
-
25.74%
2022
-
-
-
-
3.66
3.66
-
26.18%
Rate of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The rate of new cases of esophageal cancer was 4.2 per 100,000 men and women per year. The death rate was 3.7 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2017–2021 cases and 2018–2022 deaths.
Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 0.5 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2018–2021 data, excluding 2020 due to COVID.
Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2021, there were an estimated 51,185 people living with esophageal cancer in the United States.
Did You Know? Video Series
Did You Know? Video Series
How Many People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer?
Relative survival is an estimate of the percentage of patients who would be expected to survive the effects of their cancer. It excludes the risk of dying from other causes. Because survival statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. No two patients are entirely alike, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary greatly.
5-Year Relative Survival
21.6%
Based on data from SEER 22 (Excluding IL/MA) 2014–2020. Gray figures represent those who have died from esophageal cancer. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.
Cancer stage at diagnosis, which refers to extent of a cancer in the body, determines treatment options and has a strong influence on the length of survival. In general, if the cancer is found only in the part of the body where it started it is localized (sometimes referred to as stage 1). If it has spread to a different part of the body, the stage is regional or distant. The earlier esophageal cancer is caught, the better chance a person has of surviving five years after being diagnosed. For esophageal cancer, 18.2% are diagnosed at the local stage. The 5-year relative survival for localized esophageal cancer is 48.1%.
Percent of Cases & 5-Year Relative Survival by Stage at Diagnosis: Esophageal Cancer
Stage
Percent of Cases
5-Year Relative Survival
Localized Confined to Primary Site
18%
48.1%
Regional Spread to Regional Lymph Nodes
32%
28.1%
Distant Cancer Has Metastasized
39%
5.3%
Unknown Unstaged
11%
15.9%
Percent of Cases by Stage
Localized (18%) Confined to Primary Site
Regional (32%) Spread to Regional Lymph Nodes
Distant (39%) Cancer Has Metastasized
Unknown (11%) Unstaged
5-Year Relative Survival
SEER 22 (Excluding IL/MA) 2014–2020, All Races, Both Sexes by SEER Combined Summary Stage
Compared to other cancers, esophageal cancer is relatively rare.
Rank
Common Types of Cancer
Estimated New Cases 2024
Estimated Deaths 2024
1.
Breast Cancer (Female)
310,720
42,250
2.
Prostate Cancer
299,010
35,250
3.
Lung and Bronchus Cancer
234,580
125,070
4.
Colorectal Cancer
152,810
53,010
5.
Melanoma of the Skin
100,640
8,290
6.
Bladder Cancer
83,190
16,840
7.
Kidney and Renal Pelvis Cancer
81,610
14,390
8.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
80,620
20,140
9.
Uterine Cancer
67,880
13,250
10.
Pancreatic Cancer
66,440
51,750
-
-
-
17.
Esophageal Cancer
22,370
16,130
Esophageal cancer represents 1.1% of all new cancer cases in the U.S.
1.1%
In 2024, it is estimated that there will be 22,370 new cases of esophageal cancer and an estimated 16,130 people will die of this disease.
Who Gets This Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is more common in men than women, and it is associated with older age, heavy alcohol use and tobacco use. The rate of new cases of esophageal cancer was 4.2 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2017–2021 cases, age-adjusted.
Rate of New Cases per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Esophageal Cancer
Males
All Races
7.1
Hispanic
4.7
Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native
9.0
Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander
3.6
Non-Hispanic Black
5.2
Non-Hispanic White
8.3
Females
All Races
1.7
Hispanic
1.0
Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native
2.2
Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander
1.0
Non-Hispanic Black
1.9
Non-Hispanic White
1.9
All Races
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic American Indian/ Alaska Native
Non-Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic Black
Non-Hispanic White
SEER 22 2017–2021, Age-Adjusted
Percent of New Cases by Age Group: Esophageal Cancer
Age Range
Percent of New Cases
<20
0.0%
20–34
0.4%
35–44
1.9%
45–54
8.0%
55–64
26.3%
65–74
34.2%
75–84
21.1%
>84
8.1%
Esophageal cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 65–74.
Median Age At Diagnosis
68
SEER 22 2017–2021, All Races, Both Sexes
Who Dies From This Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is the eleventh leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The death rate was 3.7 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2018–2022 deaths, age-adjusted.
Death Rate per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Esophageal Cancer
Males
All Races
6.5
Hispanic
3.4
Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native
6.5
Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander
2.6
Non-Hispanic Black
4.5
Non-Hispanic White
7.5
Females
All Races
1.4
Hispanic
0.7
Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native
1.6
Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander
0.7
Non-Hispanic Black
1.5
Non-Hispanic White
1.5
All Races
Hispanic
Non-Hispanic American Indian/ Alaska Native
Non-Hispanic Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic Black
Non-Hispanic White
U.S. 2018–2022, Age-Adjusted
Percent of Deaths by Age Group: Esophageal Cancer
Age Range
Percent of Deaths
<20
0.0%
20–34
0.3%
35–44
1.4%
45–54
6.7%
55–64
23.3%
65–74
33.6%
75–84
24.1%
>84
10.6%
The percent of esophageal cancer deaths is highest among people aged 65–74.
Median Age At Death
70
U.S. 2018–2022, All Races, Both Sexes
Changes Over Time
Keeping track of new cases, deaths, and survival over time (trends) can help scientists understand whether progress is being made and where additional research is needed to address challenges, such as improving screening or finding better treatments.
Using statistical models for analysis, age-adjusted rates for new esophageal cancer cases have been falling on average 0.7% each year over 2012–2021. Age-adjusted death rates have been falling on average 1.1% each year over 2013–2022. 5-year relative survival trends are shown below.
New Cases, Deaths and 5-Year Relative Survival
Rate of New Cases
Death Rate
New cases come from SEER 8. Deaths come from U.S. Mortality. All Races, Both Sexes. Rates are Age-Adjusted. Modeled trend lines were calculated from the underlying rates using the Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. The 2020 incidence rate is displayed but not used in the fit of the trend line(s). Impact of COVID on SEER Cancer Incidence 2020 data
5-Year Relative Survival
SEER 8 5-Year Relative Survival Percent from 1975–2016, All Races, Both Sexes. Modeled trend lines were calculated from the underlying rates using the Joinpoint Survival Model Software.
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SEER*Explorer is an interactive website that provides easy access to a wide range of SEER cancer statistics. It provides detailed statistics for a cancer site by sex, race, calendar year, age, and for a selected number of cancer sites, by stage and histology.
Figure: Gastrointestinal (digestive) system anatomy; shows esophagus, liver, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine.
Figure: Anatomy of the Digestive System
Figure: Gastrointestinal (digestive) system anatomy; shows esophagus, liver, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine.
Esophageal cancer starts at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through the other layers as it grows. The two most common forms of esophageal cancer are:
Squamous cell carcinoma that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the esophagus. This cancer is most often found in the upper and middle part of the esophagus, but can occur anywhere along the esophagus. This is also called epidermoid carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the esophagus produce and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinomas usually form in the lower part of the esophagus, near the stomach.
All statistics in this report are based on statistics from SEER and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. Most can be found within SEER*Explorer.
Suggested Citation
All material in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated.
These stat facts focus on population statistics that are based on the U.S. population. Because these statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. To see tailored statistics, browse SEER*Explorer. To see statistics for a specific state, go to the State Cancer Profiles.
The statistics presented in these stat facts are based on the most recent data available, most of which can be found in SEER*Explorer. In some cases, different year spans may be used.
Estimates of new cases and deaths for 2024 are projections made by the American Cancer Society (ACS), based on earlier reported data.
Cancer is a complex topic. There is a wide range of information available. These stat facts do not address causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, or decision making, although links are provided to information in many of these areas.
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Localized (18%)
Regional (32%)
Distant (39%)
Unknown (11%)
