Cancer of the oesophagus is most common in men and women aged 60 and over, although younger people can also get it. Some oesophageal cancers develop for no apparent reason.

Anyone can develop this cancer, but you are more vulnerable if:

• you are a man – there is more oesophageal cancer among men than women

• you smoke

• you drink or have drunk alcohol frequently and in large quantities

• you have a vitamin deficiency – a shortage of vitamins A, E and riboflavin can make you prone to this cancer

• you have severe gastro-oesophageal reflux. Gastro-oesophageal reflux (heartburn) repeatedly damages the lower part of the gullet increasing the risk of the development of cancer. Sometimes a condition called Barrett's Oesophagus develops, which has a recognised increased cancer risk.

• you have Barrett's Oesophagus. This is a condition where stomach acid regularly 'backs up' into the oesophagus through the lower oesophageal sphincter, the valve to the stomach. The bottom of the gullet becomes like the lining of the stomach to protect itself from the bile and acid. If you are known to have this condition, you will have regular checks with an endoscope to monitor the condition of the oesophagus

• you have had other types of irritation. Damaging the lining of your oesophagus by swallowing caustic substances, acid or alkali for example, can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.

• you have had a head or neck cancer. People who have had head and neck cancers have an increased chance of developing a second cancer in the oesophagus.