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The Link Between Heartburn and Cancer Why heartburn or reflux can cause cancer Why Heartburn or Reflux can Cause Cancer
Heartburn occurs when acid splashes back up from the stomach into the esophagus, the long feeding tube that connects the stomach and throat, causing a burning sensation. In research from scientists at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, researchers discovered that people with acid reflux disease, particularly those with a complication of acid reflux called Barrett's esophagus, have altered cells in their esophagus containing shortened telomeres, the ending sequences in DNA strands. Combined with related research, the findings indicate that the shortened sequences might allow other cells more prone to cancer to take over. The Most Common Type of Esophageal Cancer in the US Twenty years ago, the most common type of esophageal cancer was squamous cancer, which arises from the squamous mucosa that lines the normal esophagus. But in the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a 350 percent increase in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, a type of cancer that is related to the cellular changes in the esophagus that are the hallmark of Barrett’s Esophagus and arise from gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is now the most common form of esophageal cancer, occurring in 80 percent to 90 percent of patients. This increase in esophageal adenocarcinoma mirrors the rise of the obesity epidemic. According to estimates put forth in a study published in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) journal Gastroenterology, more than 3 million Americans are living with Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. Esophageal Cancer Happens Even Without Reflux Symptoms According to study findings, Barrett's was nearly twice as prevalent in people with symptoms of reflux and those who had esophagitis than those who did not. However, more than 40 percent of those who presented with the disease had no prior symptoms of reflux--giving credence to the theory that Barrett's can significantly impact people who present with no symptoms and that screening only those with reflux will not effectively capture all cases. 'Silent reflux' may be the cause of sleep disturbances in patients with unexplained sleep disorders. Some researchers recommend that all patients with sleep apnea should be evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, many people may not realize that symptoms such as chronic cough, hoarseness or chest pain can be caused by acid reflux into the esophagus, because they do not experience classic heartburn symptoms or acid regurgitation. |
