April is dedicated to raising awareness about esophageal cancer and educating the public on the risks posed by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers and is increasing faster than any other cancer in the United States. Sadly, only one in five esophageal cancer patients survives five years after diagnosis, largely because the disease is often detected at a late stage.
The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing food and liquids to pass through. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a ring of muscle at the base of the esophagus — prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. However, in people with GERD, the LES weakens or relaxes abnormally, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.
Over time, repeated exposure to stomach acid damages the esophageal lining, increasing the risk of complications like Barrett’s esophagus — a condition in which normal esophageal tissue is replaced with abnormal cells. Barrett’s esophagus significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Left untreated, GERD can become a lifelong condition, leading to ongoing symptoms and potentially serious health issues. Individuals with chronic GERD are at higher risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, which can progress to esophageal cancer if not monitored and managed.
Other risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, excessive alcohol consumption, and family history of esophageal cancer.
Adding to the danger, esophageal cancer often has vague or mild symptoms in its early stages, delaying diagnosis and worsening outcomes.
Because of the strong link between GERD and esophageal cancer, it’s essential to take reflux symptoms seriously and adopt preventive measures. Typical GERD symptoms include burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Less common symptoms can include sensation of a lump in the throat, asthma symptoms, chronic dry cough, chronic sore throat, laryngitis or hoarseness, dental erosion, and non-cardiac chest pain.
For individuals seeking expert 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 tailored to each patient’s needs. The MRHC team of reflux specialists provides endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures designed to rebuild and restore proper function to the gastroesophageal valve, offering long-term acid reflux relief.
Dr. Shawn Roberts, reflux specialist at MRHC, explains: “Esophageal cancer remains a serious health threat and can develop as a result of chronic GERD. People with persistent GERD symptoms should undergo endoscopic evaluation to detect early signs of Barrett’s esophagus or other problems that can occur from untreated reflux. Early diagnosis and management of GERD can prevent the worst complications of the disease, including esophageal cancer. Complete treatment of the reflux disease often includes diet and lifestyle modification, and for some, medications or surgery.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 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 & Heartburn.