Virtual Steps to Save Lives October 2021

A message from our event chair:

Esophageal Cancer changed my life when my father passed away from the disease in 2004. I was 19 years old when he was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal Cancer and our world was turned upside down. He passed away seven months after his diagnosis. At that time, knowledge that Esophageal Cancer could be the result of reflux and Barrett’s Esophagus was relatively new. My family is forever grateful that his doctors encouraged my brother and me to get screened for Barrett’s Esophagus due to the possibility of a genetic link.

My brother was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus in his early 20’s at his first endoscopy after our father’s passing. As a young adult I had several endoscopies over the years with no signs of Barrett’s Esophagus. After the birth of my two daughters, at the age of 34, I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus by a local doctor who told me to start taking PPI medication and to come back in two years for a screening. Knowing my family’s history, I was not satisfied, so I began to do research to find an expert to assist me in this journey. I wound up going to Johns Hopkins University. While sharing my family history with Dr. Mimi Canto, she immediately scheduled me for an endoscopy. I felt reassured that she was taking this seriously.

I became part of a study on the genetics of Barrett’s and discovered that Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer are extensive within my family. Since then, I have had successful treatment to eliminate my Barrett's and surgery to address my perisistent GERD. It means I won't have to take medication to address GERD for the rest of my life.   

Losing my father was the biggest hurdle I have overcome thus far. But it also resulted in a blessing: giving my brother and me the knowledge to properly address our Barrett’s Esophagus and prevent us from suffering his fate. I like to think that my dad is responsible for making this happen for us. I know he would be very proud of me for not taking “no” for an answer and for fighting for my health and that of my family. We now have the knowledge to get our daughters screened once they are teenagers. We all still miss my father tremendously, but the beautiful gift of knowledge his passing gave us is a lasting legacy.

I am passionate about spreading awareness of the risks of GERD and the importance of getting checked.  I first learned of ECAN when I participated in the Dash for Dan 5k in New Jersey a few years after my father passed away. As it goes with grief, I knew I would one day be prepared to further delve into supporting the cause. I found myself ready this past winter when I registered for the April Steps to Save Lives Virtual 5k. I am honored to be asked to chair this event to spread the message of awareness - and to save lives!

ECAN was created with the primary goal to raise awareness of the risk of Esophageal Cancer posed by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as GERD).  ECAN launched the first Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month effort in 2009 and since then, governments, businesses and other organizations throughout the nation have recognized April as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month year after year! 

But we know an effective battle with this devastating disease must be fought on several levels.  While increased awareness remains a primary focus, working to increase funding for research and educating patients about their options for prevention, early detection, and treatment has become a priority.  ECAN has successfully led the charge for millions in additional federal research funding and has become a trusted and reliable source for the latest in medical research affecting those at risk for Esophageal Cancer.

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.