Abnormal cells that go on develop into esophageal cancer — cancer that affects the tube connecting the mouth and stomach — start life as cells of the stomach, according to scientists. The study found that a particular subtype of esophageal cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma is always preceded by Barrett’s esophagus — abnormal cells of the esophagus — even if these cells are no longer visible at the time of cancer diagnosis. This confirms that screening for Barrett’s is an important approach to esophageal cancer control.