Approximately 13,000 new cases of esophageal cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and to help save those lives, it's critical to get the right treatment for this type of cancer as early as possible.

Gastroenterologist Suresh Chavakula explains that if you're experiencing any type of unusual health issues timing is important. "Don't wait until symptoms are present for a long time before presenting to your physician. Because your physician will be able to help you a little bit more if you come a little bit early."

Dr. Chavakula says that specifically - the early stages of esophageal cancer usually does not cause symptoms. Which is why it's extremely important to see your doctor if you start experiencing problems swallowing - also known as dysphasia. "The most important thing I would like to advise patients about dysphasia is not to wait to long, because although many benign disorders, which are not cancerous can cause dysphasia, if the dysphasia is due to esophageal cancer the earlier you present to your physician, the better the outlook."

So if you experience problems for more than two weeks, that should at least signal you to see your doctor. Dr. Chavakula also says, "Never count in months before you see a physician. Esophageal cancer carries a very poor prognosis if the patient comes to the doctor after he can't swallow."

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), esophageal cancer is the third most common cancer of the digestive tract and the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.