In 2010, some 16,640 new cases of esophageal cancer is suspected in the U.S. and 14,500 people die because of it, according to the American Cancer Society. Risk factors for esophageal cancer include tobacco use and the combination of smoking and heavy alcohol drinking. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may also increase risk.

He presented his research results at a small meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando, Fla. The study was funded by the California Strawberry Commission.

After animal studies show strawberries may have many benefits against cancer for esophageal cancer, Chen decided to study their effect in humans.

He evaluates the use of freeze-dried strawberries in 36 men and women who have precancerous lesions of the esophagus.

Eating freeze-dried strawberries may help prevent esophageal cancer, according to new research, but the beginning.

"Eating strawberries may be a way for people at high risk for cancer of the esophagus to protect themselves from this disease," said researcher Tong Chen, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus.

Their average age is about 54. Everything is at high risk for cancer of the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. This allows food into the stomach for digestion.