If you’re living with heartburn, you may eventually develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic acid reflux that sometimes requires medical treatment. Because this condition exposes your esophagus, throat, and mouth to stomach acid, there is potential for more serious risks, including a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.
GERD is relatively common, affecting about one in five Americans; it rarely leads to a life-threatening type of cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma. Your doctor can help you monitor your condition and work with you to keep it under control.
It’s also essential to understand the differences between occasional indigestion—from eating spicy foods or overdoing it with alcohol, for instance—and more severe forms of chronic GERD.
To help you understand more about the links between heartburn, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus and cancer, use the link below to read more about most common questions, including:
- What is acid reflux?
- What exactly is GERD?
- Does GERD increase your cancer risk?
- What is Barrett’s esophagus?
- Is Barrett’s esophagus cancer?
- What are the symptoms of Barrett’s?
- How do you know if Barrett’s is becoming cancer?
- How is Barrett’s treated?
Read more for answers from Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
About Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) is a national network of five hospitals that serves adult patients who are fighting cancer. CTCA® offers an integrative approach to care that combines advancements in genomic testing and precision cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, with evidence-informed supportive therapies designed to help patients physically and emotionally by enhancing their quality of life while managing side effects both during and after treatment.
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