Carcinoma of the esophagus in blacks.

The incidence of esophageal carcinoma in the United States in white males is 6 per 100,000, compared with 20 per 100,000 in black males. The average 5-year survival for both groups is 5 percent. This study is a comprehensive analysis of esophageal carcinoma in blacks in the Pittsburgh area from 1957 to 1982. Family history, sex, age, ethnic background, social history, occupation, educational level, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, histopathology, cancer staging, treatment, and survival are reviewed. This information may expand our knowledge of esophageal cancers in blacks as well as all patients afflicted with this dreadful disease.