Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the high prevalence of esophageal cancer in China, attributing it to dietary habits and lifestyle choices, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and screening for high-risk populations [3][5][27]. Group 1: Esophageal Cancer Prevalence - China accounts for over half of the global esophageal cancer cases, with more than 75% of the world's patients located in Asia [7][9]. - The incidence rate of esophageal cancer in China is approximately 38.37 cases per 100,000 people, with a significantly higher rate in men at 56.20 cases per 100,000 [9][11]. - Rural areas in China exhibit a higher incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer, approximately double that of urban areas [11][12]. Group 2: Risk Factors - Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits such as high-temperature and spicy food consumption [19][22]. - A study indicates that individuals with "hot food" and "spicy food" eating habits have a 1.9 times and 1.5 times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, respectively [23][25]. - The consumption of pickled foods, which are prevalent in high-incidence regions, is linked to increased cancer risk due to high salt content and the presence of carcinogenic substances [25][26]. Group 3: Survival Rates and Detection - The five-year survival rate for esophageal cancer in China is only 28.8%, significantly lower than that of other cancers like gastric and colorectal cancer [28][31]. - Early detection is crucial, as many patients do not seek medical attention until the disease is advanced, making timely diagnosis and treatment challenging [32][33]. - Regular endoscopic screenings are recommended for high-risk individuals, particularly those over 45 years old or with a family history of esophageal cancer [33][36].