Esophageal Cancer

Counseling

Oncology social workers help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of esophageal cancer. Contact us at 800‑813‑HOPE (4673) or info@cancercare.org.
Learn more about counseling.

Resource Navigation

Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.

Financial Assistance

Find resources and support to manage your financial concerns. Limited assistance from CancerCare^® is available to eligible families for cancer-related costs.

Support Groups

Connect with others in our free support groups led by oncology social workers.

We currently do not offer a esophageal cancer specific group. You may consider joining our general online support groups for people with cancer. Register now.

Community Programs

Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.

Specialized Programs

CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.

Coping Circle Workshops

Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.

Connect Education Workshops

Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.

We currently do not offer a Esophageal Cancer specific workshop. You may be interested in these general-interest workshops:

Upcoming Workshops

General Topics

• Understanding Treatment-Related Skin Toxicity: Practical Tips to Cope with Rash, Dry/Itchy/Peeling Skin and Nail Changes, Jan 17, 2025

Podcasts

General Topics

• Cancer in the Workplace, Health Insurance, Finances and Returning to School, Dec 13, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 6, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Nov 22, 2024
• Caregiving for Your Loved One with Cancer, Sep 23, 2024
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Sep 10, 2024
• Current Perspectives on the Future of Cancer Research, Jun 27, 2024
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment, Jun 17, 2024
• What’s New in Precision Medicine, Jun 12, 2024
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, May 13, 2024
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 22, 2024
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Apr 8, 2024
• Understanding the Different Names for Biomarker Testing & Their Role in Selecting the Best Treatment for You, Mar 4, 2024
• Chemotherapy: Novel Approaches to Prevent and Manage Gastrointestinal Treatment Side Effects, Feb 16, 2024
• Understanding the Important Role that Biomarker Testing Plays in Informing the Treatment of Cancer, Feb 12, 2024
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Feb 9, 2024
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jan 19, 2024
• Challenges Young Adults with Cancer Face: Coping Tips, Dec 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Nov 28, 2023
• Diverse Populations Participating in Decisions About Your Care With Your Health Care Team, Jun 28, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jun 26, 2023
• Addressing the LGBTQI+ Health Disparities Gap, Jun 16, 2023
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, Jun 7, 2023
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Its Importance in Managing Cancer, May 24, 2023
• Update on COVID for People Living with Cancer & Their Caregivers, May 22, 2023
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips and Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment and Health Care Team for You, May 15, 2023
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 2, 2023
• Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer, Apr 3, 2023
• Understanding Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers, Jan 23, 2023
• Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Aug 22, 2022
• Chemotherapy Treatment Side Effects: Prevention & Management, Jun 10, 2022
• Clinical Trials: How They Transform the Treatment of Cancer, May 18, 2022
• Taking Your Pills on Schedule: Why It Is So Important in Managing Cancer, May 4, 2022
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, May 3, 2022
• Managing the Side Effects of Immunotherapy, Apr 27, 2022
• Understanding How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment and Care: With Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Cancer Treatment & Health Care Team for You, Mar 21, 2022
• Emerging Importance of Telemedicine/Telehealth Appointments in Communicating with Your Health Care Team, Mar 16, 2022
• COVID-19, Omicron & Delta Variants, COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Vaccines: Revised Guidelines for People Living with Cancer and Their Loved Ones, Feb 7, 2022
• Managing Eye and Vision Changes Related to Cancer Treatments, Jan 24, 2022
• Preventing, Managing & Treating Infection in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 25, 2021
• How Health Care Disparities May Influence Your Cancer Treatment & Care, Jun 21, 2021
• Current Perspectives on Cancer Survivorship, Feb 9, 2021
• The 9/11 Community, Cancer & COVID-19, Jan 25, 2021
• How Diagnostic Technologies and Biomarkers Improve Treatment Decisions for People Living with Cancer, Dec 7, 2020
• Cancer and Flu Shots, Nov 9, 2020
• Caregiving for Your Loved One Living with Cancer, Nov 3, 2020
• Preventing and Managing Infections in Adults Living with Cancer, Oct 26, 2020
• Managing the Cost of Living with Cancer, Sep 23, 2020
• Veterans Living with Cancer, Jun 26, 2020
• Treatment Adherence: Taking Your Pills on Schedule – Why It Is So Important, Jun 24, 2020
• What are Biosimilars? Understanding Their Role in Cancer Treatment: Current and Future Perspectives, Jun 18, 2020
• Current Perspectives in Cancer Survivorship, Jun 16, 2020
• For Caregivers: Care Coordination for Your Loved One Living with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Apr 22, 2020
• Participating in Decisions about Your Care, Apr 8, 2020
• Cancer and The Workplace: Understanding Your Legal Protections, Mar 25, 2020
• Understanding the Costs of Care and Your Health Care Coverage, Mar 18, 2020
• Trends in Oncology and Treatment Planning: What You Need to Know, Mar 4, 2020
• Care for Your Bones During & After Cancer Treatment: Tips to Improve Bone Health, Nov 18, 2019
• Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Oct 28, 2019
• Joys and Challenges of Pets in Your Home When You Have Cancer, Apr 8, 2019
• Treatment-Related Rash and Dry Skin, Jun 20, 2018
• Mind Body Techniques to Cope with the Stresses of Cancer, Nov 15, 2017
• Living with Cancer Throughout The Cancer Journey, Mar 10, 2017
• Managing Sensory Disruptions During Cancer Treatments, Dec 5, 2016
• For Health Care Professionals: Care Coordination for Older Men Living with Cancer, Aug 23, 2016
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating Tips During and After Cancer Treatments, Feb 1, 2016
• Healthy Eating and Managing Weight Changes During Cancer Treatment, Apr 13, 2015
• Highlights of the Affordable Care Act, Nov 11, 2014
• Managing Cancer Pain: What You Need to Know, Mar 21, 2014
• Young Adult Survivorship: Fertility, Sexuality and Intimacy, Jun 28, 2013
• Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for People Living with Cancer, Dec 12, 2012
• Managing Post-Treatment Neuropathy, Jul 17, 2012
• Recapturing Joy and Finding Meaning, May 15, 2012
• Planning Your Comfort and Care at End of Life, May 10, 2012
• Using Mind/Body Techniques to Cope with the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 24, 2012
• Nutrition, Physical Activity and You: A Guide for People Living With Cancer, Nov 15, 2011
• Fear of Recurrence and Late Effects: Living with Uncertainty, Jul 12, 2011
• Stress Management for Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally, Jun 14, 2011
• The Challenges of Coping with Cancer and Other Health Problems, Jun 1, 2011
• Weight Changes After Cancer Treatment: Why is it Happening and What Can I Do About It, May 10, 2011
• Mouth Pain and Discomfort: All You Need to Know About Mouth Sores and Oral Mucositis, Apr 27, 2011
• Helping Children and Teens Understand When a Parent or Loved One Has Cancer, Apr 20, 2011
• Chemobrain: The Impact of Cancer Treatments on Memory, Thinking and Attention, Apr 12, 2011
• Survivors Too: Communicating With and Among Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jul 13, 2010
• Communicating with Your Health Care Team After Treatment: Making the Most of Your Visit, May 18, 2010
• Trouble Sleeping? Sleep Better to Feel Better: Tips You Can Use, Apr 13, 2010
• Helping Teachers and Educators Support Siblings of Children with Cancer, Oct 8, 2009
• Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy, Jul 16, 2009
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones - Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, Jun 23, 2009
• The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, May 19, 2009
• For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals: Helping Brothers and Sisters of Children Living with Cancer, May 14, 2009
• Dental Health During Cancer Treatments, Apr 24, 2009
• Managing the Stress of Survivorship, Apr 14, 2009
• Balancing Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer, Mar 12, 2009
• For Caregivers: Coping with Holidays, Special Occasions and Birthdays, Throughout the Year, Dec 12, 2008
• Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones, Jun 24, 2008
• Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment, May 13, 2008
• The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor About Follow-Up Care, Apr 22, 2008
• Finding Hope and Meaning After Treatment, Jun 19, 2007
• My Treatment is Over: Why Do I Feel So Alone and Sad?, May 15, 2007
• Managing Your Costs of Recovery, Jun 20, 2006
• Balancing Your Needs and Your Role as a Caregiver, Jun 13, 2006
• Is It My Cancer or Am I Getting Older?, May 23, 2006
• The Bereaved Caregiver in the Workplace, May 10, 2006
• Stress Management Tips for Survivors, Apr 25, 2006
• The Challenge of Creating Supportive Work Environments for Employees with Cancer and Their Caregivers, Apr 5, 2006

Publications

Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.

Esophageal Cancer

• After an Esophageal Cancer Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

General Topics

• Coping With Cancer: Tools to Help You LiveNew
• Caregiving for Your Loved One With Cancer
• Talking to Children When a Loved One Has Cancer
• Communicating With Your Health Care Team
• Sources of Financial Assistance
• Finding Resources in Your Community
• If You've Just Been Diagnosed
• What Can I Say to a Newly Diagnosed Loved One?
• Advice for Caregivers: How Can You Help Yourself?

Ask CancerCare

Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer. View all questions and answers.

Esophageal Cancer

• Q.

  My husband has stage IV esophageal cancer and his prognosis isn't good. My son is worried that he is going to die, but also wonders why his dad is so "crabby" and keeps yelling at him to clean up his room. How do I help my son understand what his father is going through?

  A.

  Esophageal cancer presents a person with especially difficult physical challenges - changing the way a person eats, swallows, and even sleeps. This may make him much more sensitive to the disorder or messiness around him, including your son’s room. In addition, physical discomfort or pain can make a person extremely irritable. It may be too difficult for your husband to talk to him right now but you can reassure your son by letting him know that his dad is going to the doctor, taking his medicine, and doing his best to get better. Esophageal cancer almost always causes a great deal of weight loss, which can be scary for children and may also be causing your son’s concerns. You can explain how you and the doctor are helping to keep dad strong. Be specific about what is being done to help dad nutritionally.

  Here are other things you can do:

  • Always reassure your son about how much you love him.
  • If you husband is unable to talk with your son about his feelings, help him write a brief note using age-appropriate language.
  • Let your son know that you will tell him what is happening so he can feel included and that he can ask you questions.
  • Let your son know that no matter how messy his room gets, it has no effect on his dad’s cancer, because his behavior has no connection to his father’s illness. You may need to say this often and in different ways.
  • If your son’s room gets so messy that it overwhelms him, offer to help him clean it and find ways to stay organized.

  You may also find helpful tips in the book, How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness, by Kathleen McCue (St. Martin’s Press, NY).

  You can get more support about communicating with your son by calling us at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) to speak with an oncology social worker.

  Answered by
  Julia Little, MSW, LMSW

  ∞ Direct link to this question

  Tags:

  esophageal cancerchildren

Featured Resource

Magnolia Meals at Home

A meal delivery program that helps patients by providing nourishing meals to households affected by cancer. Is currently available in and around Woodcliff Lake, NJ and Andover, MA, Raleigh-Durham, NC and New Haven, CT (as well areas in New York, New Hampshire and Boston, MA). For more information please visit magnoliamealsathome.com or contact Kathy Nugent, LCSW at 800-813-4673, ext. 6809.

Stories of Help and Hope

Read inspiring personal accounts from people affected by cancer and the ways they've found to cope.

• Jessica W., Caring for her husband with esophageal cancer