Oesophageal cancer: diagnosis and management

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the UK. With 8500 cases diagnosed annually, the UK has the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Western Europe. Adenocarcinoma now accounts for 60–75% of all oesophageal cancers in the UK and is three to four times more common in men. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, five‐year survival rates for all patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer ranges from 15–20%. In this article the authors discuss current diagnosis and management.