Abstract:
Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth most common
cause of cancer-related death; however, worldwide incidence and mortality rates do not reflect the
geographic variations in the occurrence of this disease. In recent years, increased attention has
been focused on the high incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) throughout
the eastern corridor of Africa, extending from Ethiopia to South Africa. Nascent investigations are
underway at a number of sites throughout the region in an effort to improve our understanding of
the etiology behind the high incidence of ESCC in this region. In 2017, these sites established
the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium. Here, we summarize the priorities of this newly es-
tablished consortium: to implement coordinated multisite investigations into etiology and identify
targets for primary prevention; to address the impact of the clinical burden of ESCC via capacity
building and shared resources in treatment and palliative care; and to heighten awareness of
ESCC among physicians, at-risk populations, policy makers, and funding agencies.
