Backround: Cancer is abnormal proliferation of cells. Oesophageal cancer is the 10th most common cancer in the world .It is the 6th most common cause of deaths worldwide. The incidence is high in elderly males .Two main types of esophageal cancer are Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma most affect proximal third of esophagus and middle part. Adenocarcinoma affects distal third of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma originates in glandular cells

Objective: The aim of the study was assess common experiences of patients with esophageal cancer in Malawi.

Methods: Qualitative study. Purposive sampling. Face to face interview was conducted

Findings: The survey included 12 people, 9(75%) were men and 3 (25%) were women. 60 % participants were farmers, 15% of participants were employed, and 78% did not attainted tertiary education. The majority of participants were Christians. Most patients had previous history of alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. Most of these people eat nsima a least five times per week. Common experiences of patients with oesophageal cancer (51%) mentioned difficulties in swallowing, painful swallowing (22%), 20% had weight loss and 4% had chest pain.

Interpretation: The common experiences of patients with oesophageal cancer were difficulties in swallowing, Painful swallowing, loss of weight, and chest pain

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