Changing patterns in the incidence of esophageal and gastric carcinoma in the United States

Previously reported increases of esophageal adenocarcinoma are continuing, most notably among white males. Cigarette smoking may contribute to the trend through an early stage carcinogenic effect, along with obesity, which may increase intraabdominal pressure and predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Further research into esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma is needed to clarify the risk factors and mechanisms responsible for the upward trends as well as the racial and gender disparities in incidence.