K.N.O.W. Home Health - ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Understanding Esophageal Cancer

What is Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a disease that starts in the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This cancer can grow slowly or fast, depending on the type. Sometimes, it can spread to other parts of the body, like the liver, lungs, or nearby lymph nodes. This is called metastasis.

Symptoms to Watch For

Pay attention to changes in your body. Call your doctor or nurse if you notice:

Trouble swallowing or pain when swallowing
Unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or sudden swelling
Fever, infections, or changes in appetite or weight
Shortness of breath, coughing, or digestive changes

Tip: Keep a daily log of your symptoms. Write down what you notice and when it happens.

Treatment Overview

Your doctor may recommend one or more treatments:

Surgery: Remove cancer from the esophagus
Chemotherapy: Medicine to kill cancer cells
Radiation: High-energy beams to destroy cancer cells
Immunotherapy: Medicine that helps your body fight cancer

Possible side effects:

Nausea, tiredness, mouth sores, skin or hair changes
Increased risk of infections if your immune system is weak

Tips for home care:

Take medications exactly as prescribed
Watch for signs of infection like fever, redness, or swelling

Nutrition and Hydration

Eating well helps your body recover:

Choose foods high in protein, vitamins, and calories
Eat small meals often if you feel nauseated or have a low appetite
Drink plenty of fluids and watch for dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)

Activity and Safety

Walk or stretch gently if you feel able
Rest often and pace your activities
Take care to prevent falls, especially if you feel weak or dizzy

Infection Prevention

Wash your hands often
Avoid large crowds if your immune system is low
Call your doctor right away if you notice fever, redness, or swelling

Emotional and Mental Health

It’s normal to feel scared, sad, or stressed
Talk to your family, friends, or caregivers
Ask your nurse or doctor for support groups, counseling, or spiritual support

Follow-Up and Self-Care

Keep all doctor appointments, lab work, and scans
Check your body for changes if appropriate (skin, mouth, or other areas)
Call your nurse or go to the ER for red-flag symptoms, like:
- Chest pain
- Sudden swelling
- Shortness of breath
- Uncontrolled bleeding

Patient Empowerment

Ask questions: “What changes should I call my nurse about?”
Use written instructions or visual aids to remember important care steps
Trusted resources:
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Choose TRUE or FALSE for each statement.

TRUE or FALSE: Esophageal cancer starts in the stomach.
TRUE or FALSE: Esophageal cancer can spread to other parts of the body.
TRUE or FALSE: Only fast-growing esophageal cancers are dangerous.
TRUE or FALSE: Trouble swallowing can be a symptom of esophageal cancer.
TRUE or FALSE: Sudden swelling or unusual bleeding should be reported immediately.
TRUE or FALSE: Fever and infections are not related to esophageal cancer treatment.
TRUE or FALSE: Keeping a daily symptom log can help your care team.
TRUE or FALSE: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medicine to fight cancer cells.
TRUE or FALSE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
TRUE or FALSE: It is safe to skip your cancer medications if you feel better.
TRUE or FALSE: Eating high-protein foods can help your body recover from treatment.
TRUE or FALSE: Small, frequent meals can help if you have a low appetite.
TRUE or FALSE: Staying hydrated is not important during cancer treatment.
TRUE or FALSE: Gentle exercise and stretching can help you feel stronger.
TRUE or FALSE: Washing your hands regularly helps prevent infections.
TRUE or FALSE: Feeling scared or stressed during cancer treatment is normal.
TRUE or FALSE: You should avoid asking questions to your nurse to not bother them.
TRUE or FALSE: You should report chest pain, shortness of breath, or uncontrolled bleeding immediately.
TRUE or FALSE: Follow-up appointments, lab work, and scans are important for your care.
TRUE or FALSE: Resources like the American Cancer Society can help you learn more about your cancer.

Answer Key with Explanations

FALSE – Esophageal cancer starts in the esophagus, not the stomach.
TRUE – It can spread to other parts of the body like the liver or lungs.
FALSE – Both slow-growing and fast-growing cancers can be serious.
TRUE – Difficulty swallowing is a common symptom.
TRUE – Sudden swelling or unusual bleeding is a red-flag symptom.
FALSE – Fever and infections can occur, especially if your immune system is weak.
TRUE – A symptom log helps your care team track changes.
TRUE – Chemotherapy uses medicine to kill or slow cancer cells.
TRUE – Radiation uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells.
FALSE – Skipping medications can make cancer harder to treat.
TRUE – Protein-rich foods help your body heal and recover.
TRUE – Small, frequent meals help when appetite is low.
FALSE – Staying hydrated is very important for recovery.
TRUE – Gentle exercise helps maintain strength and reduce fatigue.
TRUE – Handwashing reduces your risk of infection.
TRUE – Emotional stress is normal; support is available.
FALSE – Always ask questions; your nurse expects and welcomes them.
TRUE – These are emergency symptoms that need immediate attention.
TRUE – Regular follow-ups help monitor progress and catch problems early.
TRUE – Organizations like ACS provide trusted information and support.