Cancer of the esophagus and stomach
Last update
In 2024, 847 people were diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus or stomach. Both of these cancers are more common in men than in women.
About cancer of the esophagus and stomach
Cancer of the stomach is the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide. Cancer of the esophagus is somewhat rarer, but is among the 15 most common forms of cancer in the world. For more information on cancer incidence worldwide, see Cancer Today.
In Norway, these forms of cancer are relatively rare, and in 2024 they accounted for a total of 2 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. Both forms of cancer are more common in men than in women. Gastric cancer was among the most common forms of cancer in Norway when the Cancer Registry of Norway was established in the early 1950s. Since then, gastric cancer, as one of the few forms of cancer, has had a clear and distinct decrease in incidence.
There has been a clear increase in survival for oesophageal cancer since 2010, while for stomach cancer there has been a more gradual increase. Both diagnoses are serious, and around 30 per cent of patients survive their cancer diagnosis for 5 years or more. The prognosis is significantly better if the disease is detected at an early stage.
Key figures - Esophageal cancer 2024
Number of new cases
260 men
81 women
Rates - number of cases per 100,0008.
5 men
2.4 women
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 24.5%
Women: 27.0%
Cancer survivors - both genders
1112 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
166 men
68 women
Cumulative risk of developing esophageal cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 0.8%
Women: 0.2%
Key figures - Stomach cancer 2024
Number of new cases
316 men
190 women
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
10.3 men
5.7 women
5-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 30.9 %
Women: 40.6 %
Cancer survivors - both genders
2378 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
182 men
100 women
Accumulated risk of developing stomach cancer by the age of 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 0.8 %
Women: 0.5 %
Factors that are associated with the risk of cancer of the stomach and oesophagus
- Smoking increases the risk of cancer of the stomach and esophagus (squamous cell carcinoma)
- Absence of excess body fat reduces the risk of cancer in the upper part of the stomach and esophagus (adenocarcinoma)
- Consuming alcohol increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, and is thought to increase the risk of stomach cancer
- Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of stomach cancer
- Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is thought to increase the risk of stomach cancer
- The rubber goods industry increases the risk of stomach cancer, and it is assumed that other occupational exposures in dusty and high-temperature environments can also increase the risk
- Consuming salty food is believed to increase the risk of stomach cancer
- X-ray and gamma radiation increase the risk of stomach and esophagus cancer
- In addition to these factors, there is some evidence that there may also be other dietary and nutritional factors that may have an impact on the risk, see Summary of conclusions (wcrf.org)
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21.