Esophageal cancer, a highly aggressive malignancy originating in the esophageal epithelium, poses significant public health challenges in China, where it ranks sixth in incidence and fifth in mortality among cancers. The country's large population contributes to over half of the global cases and deaths from esophageal cancer. This cancer's poor prognosis is often due to late diagnosis, as early-stage esophageal cancer is typically asymptomatic, leading to diagnoses at more advanced stages.
The geographical distribution of high-risk areas in China, such as the southern side of the Taihang Mountains, the Dabie Mountains, and northern Sichuan, underscores the need for focused efforts. Since 2005, China's national public health initiatives have emphasized endoscopic screening in over 110 high-risk areas, yielding significant outcomes, although the overall decline in incidence and mortality rates remains gradual. Goals of screening for esophageal cancer The primary goal of esophageal cancer screening is early detection, particularly of early-stage cancer or esophageal intraepithelial neoplasia.
Early identification facilitates timely intervention and treatment, significantly improving patient survival rates and quality of life. Research indicates that early diagnosis can increase the five-year survival rate to over 95%, demonstrating the critical importance of screening. Screening programs have been shown to reduce the incidence and of upper gastrointestinal cancers significantly,.