Esophageal Cancer - Epidemiology Forecast - 2034
Description
Key Highlights
Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus – a long hollow muscular tube that transports food from the neck to the stomach. Esophageal cancer, also known as esophagus cancer, develops in the cells that line the esophagus and occurs when a malignant tumor arises in the esophagus lining.
The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown; however, it is thought to be related to abnormalities (mutations) in the DNA of esophageal cells. The DNA of esophageal cancer cells frequently shows changes in many different genes; however, it is unclear if specific gene changes can be found in all esophageal cancers.
In 2024, approximately 78,000 newly diagnosed cases of esophageal cancer were reported across the 7MM, reflecting a notable disease burden.
Japan accounted for the highest number of incident cases in 2024, followed by the US and the UK—highlighting regional differences likely driven by population demographics, dietary habits, and environmental exposures.
In the United States, male made up nearly 80% of all diagnosed esophageal cancer cases in 2024, indicating a strong gender imbalance that may be attributed to higher exposure to key risk factors among males.
Within the EU4 and the UK, Italy recorded the lowest diagnosed incident cases of esophageal cancer in 2024—around 2,300—suggesting a relatively lower incidence.
Overall, esophageal cancer landscape across the 7MM reveals significant regional, age-related, and gender-specific variations—highlighting the importance of tailored prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that address evolving demographic and histological patterns.
DelveInsight’s “Esophageal Cancer – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of Esophageal Cancer historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Esophageal Cancer: Disease Understanding
Esophageal Cancer Overview
The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach. The cancer begins in the esophagus’s inner layer and can spread to other layers of the esophagus and other organs of the body (metastasis).
Typically, symptoms of esophageal cancer do not appear until the tumor has grown large enough to impede eating, swallowing, or digesting food. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, particularly a sensation that food is lodged in the throat; in some individuals, choking on food occurs. These symptoms develop with time, with greater discomfort while swallowing as the esophagus narrows due to cancer growth.
The development of esophageal cancer involves a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. Persistent irritation and inflammation—often resulting from smoking, alcohol use, consumption of very hot beverages, and inadequate nutrition—can harm the esophageal lining. Over time, this chronic damage, combined with carcinogen exposure, may trigger genetic changes, including mutations in tumor suppressor genes like p53 and activation of oncogenes such as cyclin D1. These alterations disrupt normal cell cycle control, ultimately driving unchecked cellular proliferation.
Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
Esophageal cancer is often detected at an advanced stage, making accurate diagnosis and staging essential. A gastroenterologist is typically the first to identify symptoms, and early evaluation is critical for better outcomes.
Diagnosis usually begins with endoscopy with biopsy (EGD), the primary test for detecting esophageal cancer. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is used to view the esophagus and collect tissue samples from abnormal areas.
If cancer is confirmed, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may be performed. This combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide detailed images of the esophagus and nearby structures, making it one of the most accurate staging tools. A PET scan is often used to check if the cancer has spread beyond the esophagus. It involves a radioactive dye to highlight affected areas during imaging.
Less commonly, other tests include:
Barium swallow (esophagram): An X-ray taken while the patient swallows a barium solution to visualize the esophagus.
Video fluoroscopic swallowing exam (VFSE): A motion X-ray recording of swallowing function.
Endoscopic confocal microscopy: Laser-based imaging that provides real-time results without needing a biopsy.
CT scan: Used post-diagnosis to assess the tumor's local invasion and distant spread.
Esophageal Cancer Epidemiology
The Esophageal Cancer epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by Age-specific Cases, Histology-specific Cases, Gender-specific Cases, Mutation-specific Cases, and Stage-specific Cases in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.
In 2024, Japan lead the 7MM in diagnosed incident esophageal cancer cases, with approximately 26,000 cases—reflecting both its aging population and potential lifestyle or environmental contributors to disease incidence.
Age-specific data from the US in 2024 revealed that individuals aged 65 and older comprised the largest segment of diagnosed esophageal cancer cases, reflecting the strong correlation between age and disease onset. In contrast, the burden remained minimal in those under 45, highlighting its rarity in younger populations.
Female patients accounted for just 20% of esophageal cancer diagnoses in the US in 2024, indicating a significant gender disparity, likely linked to differential exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use.
Histology-based segmentation in the US showed that non-squamous subtypes of esophageal cancer were more prevalent, with ~13,000 cases reported in 2024, compared to ~7,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This shift in histological trends may reflect changes in disease etiology and risk factor distribution.
Within the EU4 and the UK, the United Kingdom reported the highest number of newly diagnosed esophageal cancer cases in 2024, pointing toward regional differences that may stem from variations in screening practices, healthcare access, and lifestyle patterns.
KOL Views
To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease incidence.
DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 20+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital, USA, US; University Medicine Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, Germany; Institut Curi, France; Università Politecnica delle Marche Home, Italy; Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Spain; The Institute of Cancer Research, UK; The National Cancer Center Tokyo, Japan and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease incidence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.
Scope of the Report
The report covers a segment of an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of esophageal Cancer explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis.
Comprehensive insight into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression have been provided.
A detailed review of current challenges in establishing diagnosis and diagnosis rate is provided.
Esophageal Cancer Report Insights
Patient Population
Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
Esophageal Cancer Report Key Strengths
Ten-year Forecast
The 7MM Coverage
Esophageal Cancer Epidemiology Segmentation
Esophageal Cancer Report Assessment
Epidemiology Segmentation
Current Diagnostic Practices
FAQs
Epidemiology Insights
What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of Esophageal Cancer? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to Esophageal Cancer?
What is the historical and forecasted Esophageal Cancer patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
What is the diagnostic pattern of Esophageal Cancer?
Which clinical factors will affect Esophageal Cancer?
Which factors will affect the increase in the diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer?
Reasons to buy
Insights on disease burden, details regarding diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
To understand the change in Esophageal Cancer cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
A detailed overview of Age-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Histology-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Gender-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Mutation-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Stage-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, and Line wise treated Cases of Esophageal Cancer is included.
Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.
Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus – a long hollow muscular tube that transports food from the neck to the stomach. Esophageal cancer, also known as esophagus cancer, develops in the cells that line the esophagus and occurs when a malignant tumor arises in the esophagus lining.
The exact cause of esophageal cancer is unknown; however, it is thought to be related to abnormalities (mutations) in the DNA of esophageal cells. The DNA of esophageal cancer cells frequently shows changes in many different genes; however, it is unclear if specific gene changes can be found in all esophageal cancers.
In 2024, approximately 78,000 newly diagnosed cases of esophageal cancer were reported across the 7MM, reflecting a notable disease burden.
Japan accounted for the highest number of incident cases in 2024, followed by the US and the UK—highlighting regional differences likely driven by population demographics, dietary habits, and environmental exposures.
In the United States, male made up nearly 80% of all diagnosed esophageal cancer cases in 2024, indicating a strong gender imbalance that may be attributed to higher exposure to key risk factors among males.
Within the EU4 and the UK, Italy recorded the lowest diagnosed incident cases of esophageal cancer in 2024—around 2,300—suggesting a relatively lower incidence.
Overall, esophageal cancer landscape across the 7MM reveals significant regional, age-related, and gender-specific variations—highlighting the importance of tailored prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that address evolving demographic and histological patterns.
DelveInsight’s “Esophageal Cancer – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of Esophageal Cancer historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Esophageal Cancer: Disease Understanding
Esophageal Cancer Overview
The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach. The cancer begins in the esophagus’s inner layer and can spread to other layers of the esophagus and other organs of the body (metastasis).
Typically, symptoms of esophageal cancer do not appear until the tumor has grown large enough to impede eating, swallowing, or digesting food. The most common symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, particularly a sensation that food is lodged in the throat; in some individuals, choking on food occurs. These symptoms develop with time, with greater discomfort while swallowing as the esophagus narrows due to cancer growth.
The development of esophageal cancer involves a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. Persistent irritation and inflammation—often resulting from smoking, alcohol use, consumption of very hot beverages, and inadequate nutrition—can harm the esophageal lining. Over time, this chronic damage, combined with carcinogen exposure, may trigger genetic changes, including mutations in tumor suppressor genes like p53 and activation of oncogenes such as cyclin D1. These alterations disrupt normal cell cycle control, ultimately driving unchecked cellular proliferation.
Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis
Esophageal cancer is often detected at an advanced stage, making accurate diagnosis and staging essential. A gastroenterologist is typically the first to identify symptoms, and early evaluation is critical for better outcomes.
Diagnosis usually begins with endoscopy with biopsy (EGD), the primary test for detecting esophageal cancer. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera is used to view the esophagus and collect tissue samples from abnormal areas.
If cancer is confirmed, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) may be performed. This combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide detailed images of the esophagus and nearby structures, making it one of the most accurate staging tools. A PET scan is often used to check if the cancer has spread beyond the esophagus. It involves a radioactive dye to highlight affected areas during imaging.
Less commonly, other tests include:
Barium swallow (esophagram): An X-ray taken while the patient swallows a barium solution to visualize the esophagus.
Video fluoroscopic swallowing exam (VFSE): A motion X-ray recording of swallowing function.
Endoscopic confocal microscopy: Laser-based imaging that provides real-time results without needing a biopsy.
CT scan: Used post-diagnosis to assess the tumor's local invasion and distant spread.
Esophageal Cancer Epidemiology
The Esophageal Cancer epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by Age-specific Cases, Histology-specific Cases, Gender-specific Cases, Mutation-specific Cases, and Stage-specific Cases in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.
In 2024, Japan lead the 7MM in diagnosed incident esophageal cancer cases, with approximately 26,000 cases—reflecting both its aging population and potential lifestyle or environmental contributors to disease incidence.
Age-specific data from the US in 2024 revealed that individuals aged 65 and older comprised the largest segment of diagnosed esophageal cancer cases, reflecting the strong correlation between age and disease onset. In contrast, the burden remained minimal in those under 45, highlighting its rarity in younger populations.
Female patients accounted for just 20% of esophageal cancer diagnoses in the US in 2024, indicating a significant gender disparity, likely linked to differential exposure to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use.
Histology-based segmentation in the US showed that non-squamous subtypes of esophageal cancer were more prevalent, with ~13,000 cases reported in 2024, compared to ~7,000 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This shift in histological trends may reflect changes in disease etiology and risk factor distribution.
Within the EU4 and the UK, the United Kingdom reported the highest number of newly diagnosed esophageal cancer cases in 2024, pointing toward regional differences that may stem from variations in screening practices, healthcare access, and lifestyle patterns.
KOL Views
To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease incidence.
DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 20+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital, USA, US; University Medicine Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, Germany; Institut Curi, France; Università Politecnica delle Marche Home, Italy; Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Spain; The Institute of Cancer Research, UK; The National Cancer Center Tokyo, Japan and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease incidence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.
Scope of the Report
The report covers a segment of an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of esophageal Cancer explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis.
Comprehensive insight into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression have been provided.
A detailed review of current challenges in establishing diagnosis and diagnosis rate is provided.
Esophageal Cancer Report Insights
Patient Population
Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
Esophageal Cancer Report Key Strengths
Ten-year Forecast
The 7MM Coverage
Esophageal Cancer Epidemiology Segmentation
Esophageal Cancer Report Assessment
Epidemiology Segmentation
Current Diagnostic Practices
FAQs
Epidemiology Insights
What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of Esophageal Cancer? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to Esophageal Cancer?
What is the historical and forecasted Esophageal Cancer patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
What is the diagnostic pattern of Esophageal Cancer?
Which clinical factors will affect Esophageal Cancer?
Which factors will affect the increase in the diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer?
Reasons to buy
Insights on disease burden, details regarding diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
To understand the change in Esophageal Cancer cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
A detailed overview of Age-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Histology-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Gender-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Mutation-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, Stage-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer, and Line wise treated Cases of Esophageal Cancer is included.
Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.
Table of Contents
122 Pages
- 1. Key Insights
- 2. Report Introduction
- 3. Esophageal Cancer Patient Overview at a Glance
- 3.1. Patient Share Distribution (%) in the 7MM in 2024
- 3.2. Patient Share Distribution (%) in the 7MM in 2034
- 4. Executive Summary of Esophageal Cancer
- 5. Epidemiology Forecast Methodology
- 6. Disease Background and Overview
- 6.1. Introduction
- 6.2. Signs and Symptoms
- 6.3. Causes
- 6.4. Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
- 6.4.1. Diagnostic Algorithm
- 6.4.2. Differential Diagnosis
- 6.4.3. Diagnostic Guidelines
- 7. Epidemiology and Patient Population
- 7.1. Key Findings
- 7.2. Assumptions and Rationale
- 7.3. Total Diagnosed Incident Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the 7MM
- 7.5. The United States
- 7.5.1. Age-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the United States
- 7.5.2. Histology-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the United States
- 7.5.3. Gender-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the United States
- 7.5.4. Mutation-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the United States
- 7.5.5. Stage-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in the United States
- 7.6. EU4 and the UK
- 7.6.1. Age-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in EU4 and the UK
- 7.6.2. Histology-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in EU4 and the UK
- 7.6.3. Gender-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in EU4 and the UK
- 7.6.4. Mutation-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in EU4 and the UK
- 7.6.5. Stage-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in EU4 and the UK
- 7.7. Japan
- 7.7.1. Age-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in Japan
- 7.7.2. Histology-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in Japan
- 7.7.3. Gender-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in Japan
- 7.7.4. Mutation-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in Japan
- 7.7.5. Stage-specific Cases of Esophageal Cancer in Japan
- 8. KOL Views
- 9. Appendix
- 9.1. Acronyms and Abbreviations
- 9.2. Bibliography
- 9.3. Report Methodology
- 10. DelveInsight Capabilities
- 11. Disclaimer
- 12. About DelveInsight
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