Alcoholic Beverages

• Alcoholic beverages consumed in heavy amounts over a long period of time can cause inflammation of your esophagus and lead to esophageal cancer.
  
  

Mouthwashes

• Mouthwashes such as Listerine and Scope that contain alcohol may irritate your throat and cause esophageal and oral cancer if swallowed or used for a long period of time.
  
  

Tobacco

• Using any type of tobacco product can cause squamous cell carcinoma of your esophagus, and your risk increases if you use both tobacco and alcohol.
  
  

Low Selenium

• Selenium is a mineral that can cause esophageal cancer if you have deficient levels; eating whole grains, nuts and fish can provide sufficient amounts of selenium.
  
  

Vitamin Deficiencies

• Diets low in vitamin A, C and B-1 may cause cancer of the esophagus; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide you with sufficient levels of these vitamins.
  
  

GERD

• Chronic exposure to acid is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that may cause cancer of your esophagus.
  
  

Medical Conditions

• Medical conditions including unusual growths of skin in the esophagus (tylosis) and weakening of the esophageal sphincter (achalasia) may cause esophageal cancer.