Earlier onset and multiple primaries in familial as opposed to sporadic esophageal cancer

Core Tip

Core tip: Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and a positive family history had a significantly younger onset age and more multiple primary cancers than those without a positive family history (51.83 ± 8.39 vs 53.49 ± 8.23 years old, P = 0.000; 5.50% vs 1.70%, P = 0.000). Both of these differences were evident in sub-group analyses, however, no correlations were observed. While age at onset differed significantly by family history in males, smokers, and drinkers, the difference in multiple primary cancers by family history was significant in nonsmoking, nondrinking, and younger onset patients. These results suggest a genetic component in ESCC. Furthermore, a younger onset age may be due to the interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental hazards, and multiple primary cancers may only be due to genetic predisposition.