It takes about 5-10 years for esophagitis to turn into esophageal cancer, and the exact time is related to the patient’s physical condition, degree of disease and treatment. Esophagitis is the main precipitating factor of esophageal cancer. Long-term and recurrent esophageal inflammation stimulates esophageal mucosa, which may cause esophageal ulcer and then may lead to esophageal cancer. Patients with esophagitis may not develop into esophageal cancer after active treatment and improvement of dietary habits. Some patients do not follow the prescribed treatment or eat overly hot or irritating food for a long time, etc., which may shorten the time to form esophageal cancer. In the process of developing esophagitis into esophageal cancer, atypical hyperplasia of esophageal squamous epithelium will appear, which is a precancerous lesion, and if timely surgical treatment is performed, the onset of esophageal cancer can be delayed. In normal life, people need to pay attention to maintain good living and eating habits, such as not staying up late, regular diet and timely physical examination, in order to delay the development of esophagitis to esophageal cancer.