Can Acid Reflux or GERD Lead to Esophageal Cancer?

Can Acid Reflux or GERD Lead to Esophageal Cancer?

Acid reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) are common digestive conditions, but can acid reflux or GERD lead to Esophageal cancer? We will discuss it further. If you experience persistent heartburn, it is a must to consult a doctor at the cancer care centre for proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding how GERD affects esophageal health can help in prevention and choosing the best cancer hospital in Bihar for long-term well-being.

What is Acid Reflux?

As we know, in our stomach, there is acid that helps with digestion, but when acid flows back into the food pipe (esophagus), it causes a burning feeling, irritation and discomfort in the chest, which is called acid reflux.

The condition is often characterised by -

• Heartburn
• Regurgitation (when food, liquid or stomach acid comes back up into the mouth or throat)
• Chest Pain
• Difficulty swallowing

When acid reflux becomes frequent, it may turn into GERD, a chronic condition requiring medical attention.

What is GERD?

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a serious and long-lasting form of acid reflux that can damage the esophageal lining over time. If acid keeps coming up too often, it can be dangerous to the esophagus. It can cause problems like pain while swallowing or a sore throat.

GERD can lead to complications such as

• Esophagitis - Inflammation of the esophagus.
• Barrett’s Esophagus - A condition where the esophageal lining changes and increases cancer risk.
• Esophageal Cancer - A rare but serious result of chronic GERD

Latest statistics on GERD and Esophageal Cancer-

• Esophageal Cancer rise to 22,070 new cases (expected) by 2025
• Esophageal Cancer is more common in regions like Iran, northern China, India, and southern Africa
• According to the WHO, the cases diagnosed till 2022 were up to 70,637 with esophageal cancer in India.
• GERD is a significant risk factor for esophageal cancer along with obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• The 5-year survival rate for esophageal cancer is 21.9%.
• The risk factors of GERD are tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits.

Can Acid Reflux or GERD Lead to Esophageal Cancer?

We got to about acid reflux and GERD, but the question is this lead to esophageal cancer?

As we know, GERD is a serious form of acid reflux. If left untreated, GERD can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Continuous acid exposure may cause Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where the esophageal lining changes, making cancer possible likely. Taking early action is key to prevention.

Prevention & Treatment

If you can manage GERD efficiently, then the risk of esophageal cancer becomes low.

The prevention one can adopt are: Lifestyle Changes - Maintain a healthy weight, avoid trigger food items such as spicy, citrus, and fried can worsen acid flux, and do not lie down after eating.

Medications - Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers can help lessen acid production.

Regular Check-ups - If you experience any symptoms such as burning sensation in the chest, difficulty swallowing, sour and bitter taste in the mouth, etc, then consult a specialist at a cancer care centre for early detection and management.

Finding the Best Cancer Hospital in Bihar

If you are the one who is seeking consultation, choosing the best cancer hospitals in Bihar is essential, where advanced diagnostic tools, personalised treatment plans and experienced specialists to understand these complications.

Narayan Cancer Care Hospital is one of the best cancer care centres in Bihar that specialises in cancer treatment and consultation. Here, the people get tested according to symptoms and suggestions from the doctor.

Conclusion

It may be possible that GERD does not always lead to esophageal cancer, but chronic acid reflux can increase the risk. Understanding the symptoms, feeling of burnout in the stomach and chest then do not taking time for medical intervention, and adopting preventive measures can safeguard esophageal health. The latest statistics lead us to take preventive measures and reduce the risk factors for acid reflux.