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Shining the Light on
Esophageal Cancer

Bringing hope, healing, and awareness to every life touched.

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ECEF Nutrition Education Series

Nourish to Flourish

Practical nutrition guidance for patients and caregivers navigating life before, during, and after esophageal cancer treatment.

Join ECEF for four virtual sessions each year focused on the real nutrition challenges patients face — from recovery after surgery and protein needs to hydration, dumping syndrome, and maintaining strength.

Next Session September 22 · Free · Virtual
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Nourish to Flourish nutrition education series

Latest Video Blogs

What does dumping syndrome feel like after esophagectomy? Registered dietitian Anzonette Pittet explains how eating—especially carbohydrate-heavy meals—can trigger symptoms such as sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and lightheadedness, and why early and late dumping may feel different. Talk with your medical team for personalized nutrition guidance. #DumpingSyndrome #Esophagectomy #Nutrition
Dumping Syndrome After Esophagectomy: Nutrition Effects Explained
Nutrition after esophagectomy can feel overwhelming—but the right strategies can help survivors maintain strength, manage symptoms and improve quality of life. In this Nourish to Flourish webinar from the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation, a registered dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition explains practical approaches to eating and recovery after esophagectomy. Topics include: - Why does digestion change after esophagectomy - Early and late dumping syndrome - Managing reflux after surgery - Small, frequent meals - Maintaining weight and muscle mass - Protein and calorie requirements - Hydration after esophagectomy - Lactose intolerance - Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency - Protein powders and nutrition supplements - Reintroducing difficult foods - Meal preparation for patients and caregivers Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction 05:06 Why nutrition matters after esophagectomy 07:25 Understanding dumping syndrome 09:34 How to manage and prevent dumping syndrome 13:13 Managing reflux after esophagectomy 17:27 Small, frequent meals and daily calories 19:41 Maintaining weight and muscle mass 22:20 Nutrient-dense meal ideas 24:30 Healthy fats and carbohydrates 26:44 Lactose intolerance after treatment 30:14 Pancreatic insufficiency and digestive enzymes 33:49 Hydration and loss of thirst 35:50 Reintroducing fruits and vegetables 37:35 Protein powders and supplements 40:22 Nutrition for an active lifestyle 44:27 Meal preparation for patients and caregivers 46:38 Sugar, weight gain and dumping syndrome 52:14 Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly 54:36 Final advice for survivors and caregivers Learn more and access additional resources: 🌐 https://fightec.org/ This program is presented for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutritional advice. Always consult your physician, registered dietitian or medical team before changing your diet, medications or treatment plan. #EsophagealCancer #Esophagectomy #CancerNutrition #NourishToFlourish #CancerSurvivorship
Nutrition After Esophagectomy: Dumping Syndrome, Reflux & Weight Management | Nourish to Flourish
In this emotional closing message, ECEF founder and 26-year esophageal cancer survivor Bart Frasita shares words of encouragement for patients and families currently facing an esophageal cancer diagnosis. Learn why recovery takes patience, support, and adapting to a “new normal” after treatment and surgery. Presented by the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF). 🌐 https://www.fightec.org 📞 732-446-8520
Esophageal Cancer Recovery Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix #esophagealcancer
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Our Mission

At the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF), our mission is to bring light, knowledge, and hope to all those affected by esophageal cancer. We are committed to:

Raising Awareness & Educating

Empowering the public and medical community with knowledge about this often-overlooked disease — because awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection.

Supporting Every Step of the Journey

Walking beside patients and their families, offering compassion, guidance, and a sense of community through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Advancing Life-Saving Research

Funding and promoting innovative research dedicated to developing an early warning test — bringing us closer to earlier diagnosis, better outcomes, and brighter futures.

Together, we shine a light on esophageal cancer — transforming awareness into action, and action into hope.

On the Blog:
Voices of Hope

Real stories, trusted insights, and the latest in esophageal cancer research.

Why Is It Hard to Swallow After Esophagectomy? Understanding Strictures

Why is it hard to swallow after esophagectomy?

Difficulty swallowing after esophagectomy may be caused by a stricture. Learn the symptoms, evaluation and treatment.

September 11, 25 Years Later: Remembering Those We Lost and the Health Effects That Continue

ECEF September 11 remembrance graphic featuring the New York City skyline and Tribute in Light, marking 25 years since 9/11 and honoring those affected by its continuing health effects.

ECEF remembers September 11 and shares information on 9/11 exposure, esophageal cancer, WTC health care and survivor resources.

Why Is Reflux Common After Esophagectomy?

Learn why reflux after esophagectomy is common and how meal timing, sleep position and food choices can help manage symptoms.

How Do You Maintain Weight After Esophagectomy?

How do you maintain weight after esophagectomy

Learn how to maintain weight after esophagectomy with small meals, protein, added calories, hydration, and nutrition support.

Early awareness can change outcomes. Here are the basics.

About Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer begins in the esophagus—the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Early stages can be silent, which is why awareness of symptoms and risk factors matters. With informed screening, timely care, and community support, more people can find answers sooner and face treatment with confidence. Learn the signs, talk to your doctor, and help us shine a light on early detection. [more]

What It Is

Esophageal cancer develops in the lining of the esophagus — the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

It often begins silently, with few symptoms in its early stages, making early detection essential for survival.

Who It Affects
Most people diagnosed are over the age of 55, and men are four times more likely to develop the disease than women.

However, anyone with chronic acid reflux, smoking, or heavy alcohol use can be at risk. Awareness helps everyone. 

Why Awareness Matters

Each year, more than 20,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with esophageal cancer — often too late for effective treatment.

By spreading knowledge and promoting early screening, we can save lives and bring hope to families everywhere.

Bart Frazzitta

President’s Message

Bart Frazzitta, Founder & President

In 2002, two years after surviving an esophagectomy, I founded the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation to bring hope, guidance, and education to those touched by this disease. What began as a personal mission has grown into a nationwide community of patients, families, and caregivers united by strength and compassion. Through our support groups, educational videos, and partnerships with leading physicians, we help people navigate diagnosis and recovery with clarity and confidence. Every story we share and every connection we make reminds us that awareness saves lives. Together, we continue to shine a light on esophageal cancer—empowering patients, inspiring hope, and advancing the search for earlier detection and better outcomes.

Read Full Message →

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Patient Stories / Voices of Hope

Every journey through esophageal cancer is unique — filled with courage, resilience, and moments of light in the darkness.

At the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF), we honor the voices of patients, survivors, and families who remind us why awareness and compassion matter.

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You have created a foundation Bart that has helped thousands, including myself. It is my pleasure to help support that initiative.

Alan

ECEF has been a golden gift in the face of cancer. ECEF provided resources and opportunity to learn more about my cancer and the treatment trajectory. The Zoom sessions are invaluable, as I am able to interact with other people who have had the same surgery... 

Patricia R

Thank you for eleven years of kindness and guidance. Frank and I are grateful for all we’ve learned. We pray the Lord continues to help those facing esophageal cancer. Much love.

Hillary and Frank

Research & Innovation

At the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF), we’re committed to advancing science that saves lives. Our focus is on developing an early warning test for esophageal cancer, improving early detection, and enhancing recovery for survivors. Through partnerships with leading researchers and medical institutions, we turn hope into progress — bringing us closer to a future where this disease is found early and treated effectively.

Photo by Louis Reed

How You Can Help

Every act of support brings us closer to early detection, better treatment, and more lives saved. Whether you give time, resources, or your voice — you can make a real difference.

Volunteer

Join our community events or patient support programs and help bring awareness to your local area.

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Fundraise

Create your own campaign or join one of ours to raise funds for research and education.

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Partner with Us

Businesses, hospitals, and community organizations can join us in advancing awareness and research.

Become a Partner →