Although we are some considerable way off from understanding the apparent paradox of increased ER expression in oesophageal cancer and a seemingly better prognosis in women, a concerted research effort is required in order to determine relative levels of ERα:ERβ according to gender and age, ER expression patterns with disease progression, modulation of oestrogen production and the role of environmental and phytooestrogens, by immunochemical, molecular and functional assays. The gene discussed is ESR2; the disease is carcinoma of esophagus.