4th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run- Rhode Island

The 4th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run will be held on Saturday, June 20th, at Warwick City Park in Warwick, Rhode Island at 9 AM.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a Rhode Island nonprofit, is hosting the event, which aims to spread awareness of esophageal cancer while raising money for advocacy and esophageal research funding.

Cost is $20 in advance or $25 the day of; children 12 and under and dogs are admitted free! T-shirts are available for pre-registered guests by June 8th. Guests may sign up individually or as a team. To register or for more information, please visit: http://salgiwalkrun2015.eventbrite.com

Those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to make a donation may visit: SALGI.org/donate.

Guests and supporters may also create a personalized online fundraising page to help make an even bigger impact. Registration is not required to create a fundraising page. Please visit: Crowdrise.com/EsophagealCancerWalkRun for more information.

Acid reflux disease, of which the most common symptom is chronic heartburn, is one of the primary risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. Other risk factors include obesity, poor nutrition, tobacco use and excessive alcohol use.

Esophageal cancer is among the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States. With over a 600% increase in the past decades, the overall five-year survival rate is 17.5%.

There are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earlier stages. Symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, typically appear once the cancer has become advanced. Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer receives very little awareness and research funding.

About 16,980 new esophageal cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2015 and about 15,590 deaths will result from esophageal cancer in 2015, according to the American Cancer Society.

To sign up for the 4th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run, visit: http://salgiwalkrun2015.eventbrite.com

About The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation: Established in Rhode Island on November 21, 2011, in order to raise awareness, encourage early detection and fund research in hopes of a cure for esophageal cancer; The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information, please visit: SALGI.org