prevents food and liquid backing up into the oesophagus. So with achalasia, the lower part of the oesophagus becomes stretched and food gets stuck there. Men with achalasia have an 8 to 16 times higher risk of both main types of oesophageal cancer compared to the general population. Women with achalasia have a 20 times higher risk of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. But no increase in the risk of squamous cell oesophageal cancer. Tylosis is an extremely rare inherited skin condition. The skin grows much too thick on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. People who develop symptoms between age 5 and 15 (Tylosis A) are at a greatly increased risk of squamous cell oesophageal cancer . This is a rare condition. People with Plummer Vinson syndrome have anaemia (low red blood cells) due to a lack of iron. They also develop small, thin growths of tissue which block part of their food pipe, making swallowing difficult. Plummer Vinson syndrome has been linked to an increased risk of squamous cell oesophageal cancer. Some pollutants and chemicals There is very little research into how occupation is related to the risk of oesophageal cancer. And it is often difficult to separate the effects of occupational exposures from other lifestyle factors. But a few studies show that workers exposed for long periods of time to tetrachloroethylene (a chemical used in dry cleaning and metal degreasing), soot or working in rubber production have an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. Helicobacter