Do you suffer from regular HEARTBURN? It may lead to CANCER, experts warn

The familiar burn in your chest might be more serious than you think

THE FAMILIAR pain in your chest may be far more serious than you think.

 

It’s a scenario most men and women are familiar with. 

After more than a couple of red wines or perhaps a large serving of Indian food, a burning sensation spreads through your throat and chest. 

 

You’d assume that you had eaten too quickly, take some heartburn tablets, and not give it a second thought. 

But heartburn and indigestion may be far more serous than you think, according to health experts. 

 



Men are three times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer than women, according to health expert



In fact, the acid reflux which causes that burning sensation can cause cancer. 

Gastroenterologist Patrick Hyatt is urging more people to speak to their doctors about heartburn. 

Speaking to Men’s Health, Dr. Hyatt said: “When stomach acid backs up into your oesophagus, it causes the pain you know as heartburn. 

“The feeling subsides after a while, but the acid can do lasting damage to the lining of your oesophagus.”

 



Gastroenterologists are urging people to speak to their doctor about heartburn



Dr. Hyatt continued: “If that happens often enough over time, the cells that line your oesophagus will be replaced with cells that are more resistant to stomach acid—a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. 

Those cells are more likely to eventually turn cancerous. 

And men are most at risk, as they’re three to four times more likely to contract oesophageal cancer than women. 

 

The acid reflux that causes the burning sensation can lead to cancer

Doctors recommend you seek professional advice if you experience heartburn more than once a week or heartburn medications no longer relieve your symptoms. 

Difficulty swallowing and unexplained vomiting are also red flags to watch out for. 

To prevent acid reflux from causing irreversible damage, avoid heartburn triggers such as red wine and spicy food and ensure you’re not carrying any excess weight.