By Jayde Kurland, MD  FACG, AGAF, FACP

Many are not aware that having chronic GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) puts you at risk for this cancer.  Once someone has symptoms of difficulty swallowing, the cancer is already at an advanced stage.

At the time of diagnosis, there is only a 20% 5-year survival.

Over time, GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition where the tissue that lines the lower esophagus changes and if not detected or treated, can develop into esophageal cancer. 

Risk factors for developing esophageal cancer include chronic GERD, Obesity, tobacco use, Caucasian and male gender, and Barrett’s esophagus.  Only 10% of high-risk patients get a screening. Antacid medications are now sold over the counter and if you are taking medications in the category of PPI’s (Proton Pump Inhibitors) or other antacid medications on a regular basis, for over 2 years, while it may be controlling your symptoms, you should be screened.

Early detection of Barrett’s and esophageal cancer can be performed by having an upper endoscopy procedure which can performed by a Gastroenterologist or Surgeon who performs upper endoscopies. There is also a new office-based test, EsoGuard, that can also be done to screen for Barrett’s or esophageal cancer which does not involve sedation and takes less than 5 minutes.   These are recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology.

Cancer of the esophagus is one of the fastest growing and deadliest forms of cancer in the US today. There is a 733% increase in the last 40 years.  At the time of diagnosis, esophageal cancer is almost incurable due to the late stage at detection and ranks the 5th leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2022, the American Cancer Society has estimated that 20,640 new esophageal cancer cases will be diagnosed (13,250 in men and 4,130 in women).  About 16,410 deaths will occur from esophageal cancer in 2022.

People having heartburn frequently (2 or more times per week) or those who are taking regular antacid medications should see a Gastroenterologist to discuss their individual condition and risk.

Don’t be a statistic, GERD causes esophageal cancer.