Acid reflux can cause esophageal cancer

The month of April is dedicated to promoting Esophageal Cancer awareness and education around the risk posed by persistent heartburn or acid reflux disease (GERD).

Esophageal cancer is deadly and is increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the United States. Only one in five esophageal cancer patients will survive five years because it is often not caught until the later stages.

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, facilitating the passage of food and liquids. When functioning normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, prevents the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. However, in individuals with GERD, this sphincter weakens or relaxes abnormally, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.

Over time, chronic exposure to stomach acid can damage the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of developing complications such as Barrett’s esophagus—a condition where the normal tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by abnormal cells. Barrett’s esophagus significantly elevates the risk of esophageal cancer.

Left untreated, GERD can become a lifelong disease that often can lead to bothersome symptoms and potentially more serious health conditions. Individuals with chronic GERD are at a heightened risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition that may progress to esophageal cancer if left unchecked. Other risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, excessive alcohol consumption, and a family history of the disease. Moreover, esophageal cancer often presents with vague symptoms in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes.

Given the strong association between GERD and esophageal cancer, it is imperative to address reflux symptoms promptly and adopt preventive measures to mitigate cancer risk. Typical symptoms of GERD include a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of food or sour liquid (acid reflux) and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). Other symptoms that are not as common include the sensation of a lump in the throat, asthma, chronic dry cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis and hoarseness, dental erosions and non-cardiac chest pain.

For those seeking specialized care for GERD and related conditions, the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center (MRHC) at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin, offers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options tailored to individual needs. The MRHC team of reflux specialists performs endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures that help rebuild and restore proper function to the gastroesophageal valve and provide acid reflux relief.

Dr. Tim LeMieur, MRHC reflux specialist, comments, ”Esophageal cancer remains a formidable health challenge, and may be caused by chronic GERD. Individuals with chronic GERD should undergo periodic endoscopic surveillance to detect early signs of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Lifestyle changes and medications may offer GERD control, but they don’t prevent reflux.”

For more information or an appointment, call Dawn Harcey, GI clinical coordinator at Riverwood, at 218-429-3930, or email dharcey@rwhealth.org  Visit www.riverwoodhealthcare.org, click on services, then reflux and heartburn.

Learning opportunity
Clinical Coordinator Dawn Harcey and Physician Assistant Thomas Hirsch of the Minnesota Reflux and Heartburn Center at Riverwood Healthcare Center will talk about esophageal cancer awareness on KKIN Radio’s Community Connections show on Wed., April 24, 8:00 a.m. Tune in to 94.3 to listen to the 20-minute interview.