Author Description

Esophageal cancer is one of those cancers you never really hear much about in the media. It is an infrequent cancer and unfortunately, it is a cancer that receives very little attention through the media or via national or international funding agencies. Many people are surprised to learn that you can even get cancer of the ‘food pipe’ and in general there is an enormous lack of education about the risk factors for this cancer in the community. Because esophageal cancer is increasing in the Western world there is an urgent need for substantial improvements in the early diagnosis, treatment and continued management of these patients. It is disturbing to note that over the last sixty years treatments have changed for esophageal cancer, but unfortunately the patient outcomes remain abysmal with 85% to 90% of patients dying within five years. It is imperative that cancer organizations and funding agencies provide funding and resources that will in turn lead to cutting- edge developments in understanding esophageal cancer and decrease the incidence and improve the survival for patients with esophageal cancer. This first edition book on “Esophageal Cancer” which contains a diverse range of articles taken from AME journals and include authors with expertise in molecular biology, diagnosis and treatment, therapeutic endoscopy, surgery, radiotherapy and medical treatment, and prognosis. This book provides a practical collection of articles that will be useful for researchers and clinicians.