Obesity doubles the risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-related death in patients with esophageal cancer who have been treated with surgery, researchers at Mayo Clinic found. Their 778-patient study, which appeared in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that five-year survival in obese patients — those with a body mass index of 30 or higher — with esophageal cancer was 18 percent, compared to 36 percent in patients of normal weight.

The research is the first to find that obese patients with esophageal cancer have worse outcomes following surgery than patients with a normal weight, says lead investigator,

Harry Yoon, M.D., an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Hitchens, 1949-2011

Battling Esophageal Cancer for the past 18+ months Christopher Hitchen continued to defy convention, showing little regret for a life of smoking and alcohol abuse.  He succumbed to the disease last night at Houston’s MD Anderson Hospital, one the nation’s premier EC treatment facilities.

Hitchens, a polarizing figure, was as engaging as he was enraging.  As a literary figure, author and personality, he was praised for his wit and sharp tongue.  Both the New York Times and Vanity Fair have spotlighted him since his diagnosis and recent death.  His importance and influence in the literary world can be debated — but certainly not ignored.

Distilling Hitchens as a cancer patient, he was no role model — he would almost certainly describe himself as more a “sinner” than a “saint”.  Separating his professional successes and personal traits, he was another cancer patient who faced his own mortality from the moment of diagnosis.  However, Mr. Hitchens was in a unique position, in which he had the ability to use his influence to bring awareness to a disease that affects 17,000 Americans this year.

Those in the EC community — including current patients, caregivers and survivors  – know that this cancer can be beaten; despite the surging increase in incidence throughout the past decade, the mortality statistics have actually been improving in recent years. Many members have written to ECAA, voicing opinions about how Hitchens “could have done more” to help others battling esophageal cancer.

In response, I want to remind us all that life is not that simple; everyone handles the pain in life differently.  Although I don’t agree with all the decisions Hitchens made along his EC journey, I do respect them.  Thankfully ECAA has thousands of members who think differently than the late Mr. Hitchens, offering something else to the thousands of others with the disease: hope and optimism.

In the end, Hitchens did find his own version of clarity from the disease and voiced that openly.  He did bring more awareness to the disease, and indirectly Hitchens did help our organization and our efforts.  For that, we are grateful.

Losing a life to cancer is a terrible thing, and our condolences go out to his friends and loved ones.  Hitchens’ insight and wit will be missed.

Be well, Do good.

Brian Galgay
ECAA Blogger & EC Survivor

The majority of our sessions are open to the general public and our members are welcome to join us. The event locations are TBA, but the meetings will be in or near East Falmouth, MA.

If you plan to attend, please contact us so we may better coordinate event space/meals/lectures.

Stay tuned for more info!
EC Blogger

We were recently informed about a generous bequest to the ECAA from a lady who recently passed away at the age of 62 from this terrible disease. She contributed many hours in both her personal life and working life to helping others. Her career was spent providing technical information services to major corporations, but her passion in life was her volunteer work at the Gibbs Farm Museum where she helped visitors to appreciate the history of life in rural America. When she composed her final thoughts on life she said, “I did not do wondrous or monumental things. But I do believe I touched many lives in small ways and that my life has been worthwhile.”

Her generosity to the ECAA will touch many more lives and help us to continue our work to educate, inform, and support those suffering from this disease or knowing someone affected by it.

Thank you so very much Crystal – we wish we had gotten the opportunity to have known you.

Kathy Tunsley
Treasurer, ECAA

If you wish to make a donation either in memory of someone you have lost to esophageal cancer, or to make a bequest through a will, we have put some information together for you on our website – http://www.ecaware.org/planned-giving-information/

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of one of our founders, James Gillett. James was an integral part of our organization for many years, serving not just as a member of the Board of Directors but also devoting multiple years as our President. His passion for raising awareness of EC gave rise to our organization and has inspired countless others to face their own personal health battles with strength and grace. His loss will be greatly felt by us and the entire EC Community.

His work will not be forgotten and the light that he leaves behind will guide us steadfastly on our mission.

Following in James’ light,

Brian Galgay
Board Member, ECAA

ECAA sends its condolences to the Killebrew family, the Minnesota Twins, baseball fans everywhere and to the population at large of people affected by Esophageal Cancer — victims, survivors, patients, caregivers, family and friends.

- EC Blogger

For our members in/near Florida:
Our team in North Florida meets regularly and is always looking to help people affected by the disease. The Esophageal Cancer support Group meets in Jacksonville on the third Friday at the Mayo Clinic (1:00 in Room 121 of the Vincent Stabile Building, 4481 Mellish Dr). We will meet you for a cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, etc. whenever you are here. You may call 904-374-4599 or email mduggar@ecaware.org. We visit all hospitals & clinics – all patients, survivors & care givers are welcome!

Keep spreading the word, and if you have any updates to share, please feel free to give us feedback.

Thanks,
The EC Blogger

This being a holiday weekend honoring Easter for most countries across the world, it is quite fitting to put on those Spring colors and support EC.

If you have any questions or are in need of periwinkle gear, don’t be hesitant to contact us!

Thanks,
The EC Blogger

Periwinkle, as you read before, is the nationally recognized color for Esophageal Cancer (EC)?  ECAA is asking that everyone wear Periwinkle each Friday this April to promote awareness of the disease.  Encourage your friends and family to wear periwinkle.

We had a large influx of requests for wristbands and magnets as a result of last Friday’s “Wear Periwinkle” day.  Do your part and wear periwinkle on Fridays this April. If you don’t own any periwinkle or EC gear,visit our shop. All proceeds go toward raising more awareness of EC.

Once you’re rockin’ the Periwinkle gear, take a photo and share it with us.  We’ll put up a collage at the end of the month, displaying our EC champions who honor the victims of this disease.

Thanks again!
- the ECAA Blogger