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Community Corner

Petition for 'National Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month'

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation started the petition "President of the United States: Proclaim the Month of April to be 'Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month' in The United States of America" and need your help to get it off the ground.

Please take a moment to sign the petition now.  http://alturl.com/kcmxj

Esophageal cancer has increased over 600% in the past decades, making it the fastest growing cancer in the United States.

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Many do not realize that among other risk factors, obesity, chronic heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and smoking can lead to esophageal damage and cancer.

Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer research receives very little private or government funding. 

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In fact, the National Cancer Institute decreased its investment in research of esophageal cancer by 15% in 2012.

Esophageal cancer research receives a mere $28.0 million out of NCI’s total $5.07 billion budget; that’s approximately half of one percent.

However, approximately $1.3 billion dollars is spent on esophageal cancer treatment each year in the U.S.

While it is currently only the 18th most common cancer, Stage IV EAC only has a 3% survival rate.

Esophageal cancer shows low survival rates even in early stages: 21%-39%. 

Esophageal cancer is a lethal diagnosis. Symptoms often arise too late, once the cancer has spread and becomes difficult if not impossible to treat.

Please, sign and share this petition! http://alturl.com/kcmxj
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