Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, observed in April, is a time to increase awareness of esophageal cancer, promote the need for a cure after diagnosis, and spur advocacy on behalf of those suffering from the emotional, financial and physical burden of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer forms in the tissue lining of the esophagus.

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month educates people that smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and Barrett’s esophagus can increase a person’s risk of developing esophageal cancer. Other risk factors include older age, being male, and being African-American.