Lakewood, NJ—When Robin Restituto’s husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2008, she had never even heard of this form of the disease. Anthony “Tony” Restituto, had no signs or symptoms of the cancer and only learned that he had the condition during pre-admission testing for an upcoming surgical procedure.
“He was told that if he did not go through radiation and chemotherapy, that he would not live more than two years,” recalls Mrs. Restituto, a clerk in the Radiology Department at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, NJ. “Even with the outstanding treatment he received, he died in one year.”
In addition to leaving behind a brokenhearted wife, Mr. Restituto’s son, who was away at college in California, was very depressed by the rapid passing of his father. It was, and continues to be, a difficult journey for the entire family.
Ms. Restituto remembers her husband as a wonderful person who “left behind a legacy of love and kindness.” Mr. Restituto dedicated the last 15 years of his life to coaching children in roller hockey and ice hockey. His love of the sport translated into a passion for coaching and he was the founder of the “Wall Americans” ice hockey team as an assistant coach at Wall High School. At his funeral, there was a strong attendance from all of the families he had helped through his coaching efforts.
Now, on what would have been their 31st wedding anniversary, Mrs. Restituto wants to spread the word that April is National Esophageal Cancer Month in the hope that others will become knowledgeable about this condition.
“From what I have learned, this is one of the least heard of and one of the most aggressive forms of cancer,” relates Mrs. Restituto. “The heartburn you experience today might not be just the food you ate. It could be a sign of something more serious. “
Esophageal Cancer: What You Should Know
Esophageal cancer is a very difficult disease to cure, and early detection is essential. The Saint Barnabas Health Care System in Livingston, NJ, provides the following information about esophageal cancer for better recognition and understanding of this condition.
Some facts about this condition:
- Men are about three times more likely than women to develop esophageal cancer.
- The chance of developing esophageal cancer increases with age.
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is more common in African-Americans.
- In the United States, the rates of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus have increased in the last 20 years.
- Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, gastric reflux and Barrett esophagus, a disorder in which the lining of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach) is damaged by stomach acid.
- The most common signs of esophageal cancer are painful or difficult swallowing and weight loss. Other signs include: regurgitation of food, chest pain unrelated to eating, discomfort when swallowing solids or liquids, indigestion or heartburn, hoarseness and cough; and vomiting blood.
- A physician should be consulted if any of the symptoms listed above occur.
For a referral to any physicians in the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, please call 1-888-SBHS-123 or 1-888-724-7123.
March 22, 2011
Beth Salamon, Public Relations
Saint Barnabas Health Care System, Livingston, NJ
(973) 322-4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
