How to Prevent Heartburn to Help Prevent Cancer: Link Found Between Heartburn and Esophageal Cancer

I suffer from heartburn on a fairly regular basis. It flares up enough that I like to keep a bottle of over-the-counter acid blocker within easy reach. So imagine my concern when I found out there is a link between heartburn, or acid reflux, and esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer. It is the cause of death for approximately 12,000 people each year.

Symptoms of esophageal cancer usually include difficulty in swallowing or pain in your throat. You may also have the sensation of food getting lodged in your throat. Another symptom is unintentional weight loss because eating has become too difficult. Vomiting blood may be another sign of cancer in your esophagus.

Heartburn, or acid reflux, is when acids from the stomach rise into the esophagus. Not only does this cause discomfort, but if it is a recurring condition, it can also change the cells that line the esophagus. This change in the cells may increase the risk for cancerous growth.

Unfortunately, some people tend to ignore heartburn symptoms unless they are causing extreme discomfort.

So what can be done to help prevent this cancerous condition? It's simple...prevent the heartburn.

• If you suffer from chronic heartburn, consider making changes to your diet. Try to abstain from foods that are known to cause you heartburn. For most people, these include foods such as coffee, orange juice or other juices made from citrus fruits, alcohol, chocolate, fried foods and foods that contain a lot of spices.
  
• Include more dairy products, such as milk, into your diet. I have found that for minor cases of heartburn, a small glass of milk will help ease heartburn symptoms.
  
• Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
  
• Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than fewer larger meals.
  
• Start sleeping with your head slightly raised. This will help prevent the flow of acid into your esophagus.
  
• Use an over-the-counter acid blocker such as Zantac to prevent heartburn.

By preventing heartburn before it starts, you can give any damaged cells that are present in your esophagus a chance to heal.

If you suffer from frequent heartburn that is hard to control, or you already have signs of esophageal cancer, make an appointment to see your doctor. There are several tests that can be done to determine if cancerous cells are present in your esophagus. Talk to your doctor to see what your options are.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8796
http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/heartburngastr_sczz.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/esophageal-cancer/DS00500