What was your first symptom of esophageal cancer?

Dysphagia (trouble swallowing): It may the first sign of esophageal cancer. You may experience trouble swallowing because the food gets stuck in the throat or you choke on the food sometimes. Dysphagia generally worsens as cancer progresses into advanced stages.

How did esophageal cancer start?

It starts when cells in the inner lining of the esophagus grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in the esophagus can sometimes travel to the liver and grow there.

Are there any survivor stories of esophageal cancer?

A diagnosis of esophageal cancer is particularly grim, as less than 20% of those diagnosed with it will survive five years. But there are stories of survival, and these cancer survivor stories give us hope and remind us that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Jackie’s story is one of those stories.

How is esophageal cancer ignored and disregarded?

Too often, esophageal cancer is ignored and disregarded. There is a tremendous need to bring not only awareness but tools and resources to encourage early detection and advocacy and actual funding for esophageal cancer research. These personal stories do just that. They are each equally important and deserve to be published.

How did my dad get esophageal cancer?

That summer, a tornado and high-speed winds caused a lot of damage in the nearby towns, as well as the small town my parents lived in. My Dad started to noticeably lose weight and began choking on food, feeling like he could not swallow and had a build-up in his throat.

Who is Jackie in esophageal cancer story?

Jackie’s story is one of those stories. Meet Jackie. Jackie, a wife, mother, and grandmother, loves to travel and spend time with her family. She had been traveling a great deal and had just had her first granddaughter when she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She decided she wasn’t going down without a fight. This is Jackie’s story.