Squamous cell cancer of the oesophagus, associated with smoking and drinking, is now largely in decline. That mainly, but not always, affects older men of relatively deprived backgrounds, and the tumour is situated in the upper third of the oesophagus. However, lately this profile seems to be changing and younger professional people are being diagnosed, mainly with adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the type of cancer usually associated with tumours in the lower third of the oespophagus (Irish Journal of Medicine, November 1997 Volume 90 Number 7). The reason for this seems to be that the muscular valve system at the bottom of the oesophagus has been failing. This failure allows acid to seep upwards from the stomach. (BMJ) The stomach is designed to deal with acid but the oesophagus is not. Therefore irritation and soreness sets up in the oesophagus. This leads to Barrett's Oesophagus, which can in turn lead to cancer.Click here for further information. Symptoms we have experienced as cancer patients: difficulty in eating/swallowing; food being thrown back (unchanged) within a minute or two of swallowing; very severe chest pain shortlyafter eating; copious white frothy mucuous being vomited. The oesophagus is the narrow tube leading down from the throat. It joins the stomach at its lower end. Obviously these symptoms can soon lead to weight loss, which could be considered as another symptom. It is vital to have this cancer diagnosed as early as possible. Unfortunately oesophageal cancer can be symptomless until an advanced stage is reached. Click here for more information.