Spark a Change! supporting Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)

Deadly: One 1 out of 5 patients diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in the US will survive 5 years | Esophageal Cancer is the #7 Cancer Killer of Men in the United States | Most is discovered at late stages, when treatment is rarely successful.
Most Often Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Most EC in the US is Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (74%) caused by Reflux Disease | Esophageal Adenocarcinoma increased 700% over the past 35 years in the U.S. | Esophageal Adenocarcinoma is the fastest increasing cancer among American men | Squamous Cell Carcinoma which is usually linked to smoking or drinking causes 26%.
Preventable: Barrett’s Esophagus is the only known precursor to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma | Barrett’s Esophagus is caused by GERD, but the condition itself causes no symptoms | Barrett’s Esophagus can be treated and eliminated, thereby preventing progression to Esophageal Cancer | More than a Million Americans Estimated to be Unaware they Have Barrett’s Esophagus.
Largely Ignored: Lack of Awareness - Only 14% of Americans know that GERD can lead to cancer | Lack of Screening - No Esophageal Cancer screening protocol in the U.S. | Lack of Research Funding - Esophageal Cancer causes 2.6% of US cancer deaths, but receives just .5% of the Federal Cancer Research Budget.