The exact cause of oesophageal cancer is unknown, but the following things can increase your risk: persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) smoking drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time being overweight or obese having an unhealthy diet that's low in fruit and vegetables Stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol, losing weight and having a healthy diet may help reduce your risk of developing oesophageal cancer.