The most important factors in planning treatment for oesophageal cancer are the type of cancer and
the stage of the disease. Treatment will also depend on your age, medical history and general health.
Learn more about:
Overview
Your multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) team may include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, radiation and medical oncologists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals, such as a dietitian, exercise
physiologist or social worker.
Treatment options for oesophageal cancer include:
- surgery alone
- chemotherapy before and after surgery
- combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery
- combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy without surgery
- radiation therapy alone
- clinical trial (ask your doctor for more information).
When chemotherapy and radiation therapy are combined, this is called chemoradiation. You will
usually have both treatments on the same day.
What to do before treatment starts
Taking steps to improve your general health before treatment can help to ensure the best outcomes (called prehabilitation). You may also have some tests to check your general health, including blood tests and heart checks.
 | Improve diet and nutritionPeople with oesophageal cancer often lose weight and can become malnourished. Your doctor will usually refer you to a dietitian for advice on how to slow down the weight loss. |
 | Stop smokingIf you smoke or vape, aim to quit before starting treatment. People who keep smoking may not respond as well to treatment. See your doctor or call the Quitline on 13 7848 for advice and support. |
 | Begin or continue an exercise programExercise can help build your strength for recovery. Talk to your doctor, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist about an exercise plan. For more on this, call 13 11 20 or see Exercise and cancer. |
 | Avoid alcoholTalk to your doctor about your alcohol use. Alcohol can affect how the body works and increase the risk of complications after surgery (including bleeding and infections), and of the cancer returning. |
 | Talk to someoneYou may find it useful to talk to a counsellor or psychologist about how you are feeling. This can help you deal with any anxiety about diagnosis and treatment. Or call 13 11 20 to find out about Cancer Council’s support services. |
→ READ MORE: Making treatment decisions
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
Video: Understanding cancer tests, treatment and support
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming — but you’re not alone. This video explains what happens after a diagnosis, the different treatment options, and how Cancer Council can support you.
Click on Settings 
to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language.
Video: Centrelink payments
Discover the financial support options available if you need to stop working due to illness. Learn about Centrelink payments, healthcare cards, and resources from the Cancer Council to help manage your financial situation.
Click on Settings to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language.
Video: Insurance and superannuation
Discover the financial support options available if you need to stop working due to illness. Learn about Centrelink payments, healthcare cards, and resources from the Cancer Council to help manage your financial situation.
Click on Settings to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Prof David Watson, Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Surgery, Flinders University, and Senior Consultant Surgeon, Oesophago-Gastric Surgery Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Prof Bryan Burmeister, Senior Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare Fraser Coast and Hervey Bay Hospital, QLD; Dr Natalie Collier, Radiation Oncologist, Wollongong Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Melissa Eastgate, A/Executive Director, Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Natalie Lalor, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Chris Menzies, Upper GI Cancer Nurse Consultant, Flinders Medical Centre and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA; Tammy Milne, Consumer; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Prof Rajvinder Singh, Professor of Medicine, University of Adelaide, and Director, Gastroenterology Department and Head of Endoscopy, Lyell McEwin Hospital, SA.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
