Cancer of the esophagus was reported diagnosed in 188 persons in the SRRHIS region during 1991 through 1993. The age-adjusted incidence rate is over twice as high for black men (16.3 per 100,000) as for white men (6.0). This pattern is similar to the Atlanta and all SEER experience. The rate for black men in the South Carolina SRRHIS counties appears especially high (19.2) compared to black men in the Georgia counties or nationally (Figure 11). Closer examination shows this increase to be focused among black male residents of the rural counties, with 38 cases and a rate of 19.8 per 100,000 (not shown), compared to the Augusta and Savannah areas.

For women, the rate for black women is four times higher (4.4 per 100,000) than the rate for white women (1.1), similar to SEER rates. Clearly, this is a cancer much more common among men of either race.

Major risk factors for esophageal cancer are tobacco and alcohol use, which together are thought to contribute to 80 - 90 percent of cases. Poor nutrition and reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables are also thought to be related to esophageal cancer risk. Prevention strategies include smoking cessation, abstinence or moderation in alcohol use, and increasing intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The five year relative survival rate for esophageal cancers is about 10 percent for all stages, and about 21 percent for persons diagnosed with localized disease (Kosary, 95).