Do you know what Harmon Killebrew, Richard Dawson, Babe Ruth, Humphrey Bogart, “Tony the Tiger,” Robert Kardashian, Ann Richards, Christopher Hitchens and my husband have in common?

They died of esophageal cancer. This cancer is among the deadliest with a five-year survival rate of less than 5 percent. Esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer diagnosis in the United States. One person is diagnosed every 31 minutes. One person dies every 35 minutes.

Despite the statistics, esophageal cancer is among the cancers that receives the least amount of federal research funding. Have you ever heard of it? Do you know the symptoms? Are you aware that common heartburn can be a direct cause of the disease? What can you do about it?

If you have heartburn, or a persistent cough, or trouble swallowing, see a doctor! Have an endoscopy! Take action. Know the warning signs that include: heartburn, pain or difficulty swallowing, feeling as if food gets stuck in your throat or chest, unintentional weight loss, sore throat – particularly the back of the throat, persistent cough, hoarseness, hiccups with pain or difficulty swallowing.