I've been treated for IBS for more than 20 years. During a recent flareup I experienced some problems swallowing which I thought was related to the dry mouth of Pamine. I mentioned it to my GI doctor and he suggested an upper endoscopy.Last Wednesday I went in for what I thought was a routine procedure and awoke afterwards to be told that I had a mass in my esophagus. Pathology showed it to be malignant.I have since done a lot of research on this and found that reflux over a period of time and lack of fruits and vegetable in diet are contibuting risk factors. With IBS-D fiber has never been a friend of mine.I would recommend all of you ask your doctor, maybe even demand an upper endoscopy every few years. The death rate is "low" at about 18,000 per year so this is not getting much press. But like colon cancer the endoscopy can lead to early detection.The upper endo is really easier than the lower. There is no preparation and I was put completely out. I don't remember anything about the procedure.The physician community doesn't seem to care much about us but we do and I think we have the right to demand the procedures that could save our lives.How about pink belts or something for IBS survivors?Wish me well on my journey of treatment of a cancer that could have been prevented with screening.Pray for me if you will.