Esophageal cancer diagnoses account for just 1.1% of all new cancers each year (per National Cancer Institute ). This makes esophageal cancer rarer than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

Nonetheless, the incidence of esophageal cancer among adults under 50 years old appears to be on the rise. According to a 2025 review in JAMA, esophageal cancer was among the top four early-onset cancers. The review noted that the reasons behind this trend aren't entirely straightforward. However, they may include a combination of genetic factors like pre-existing biomarkers and lifestyle-related habits such as smoking cigarettes and eating processed foods.

Regardless of why more younger adults are developing esophageal cancer, the message is clear: You can't take any unusual symptoms

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