Surprising Link Between Acid Reflux and Oesophageal Cancer
A gut health expert has highlighted an unexpected contributor to a rising cancer trend in Britain, potentially putting millions at risk without their knowledge.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Wendi LeBrett has pointed out that many individuals may not realize that acid reflux—when stomach juices backtrack into the throat—can be a significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer.
This type of cancer affects the oesophagus, the tube responsible for transporting food and drinks to the stomach, and is notably lethal. Alarmingly, 90% of patients succumb within a decade of diagnosis, often due to the disease’s subtle indicators.
Acid reflux can lead to cellular changes in the oesophagus, as the acidic fluid harms its sensitive lining, potentially causing cancer. Dr. LeBrett remarked that this condition, which often manifests as heartburn, can go unnoticed—about a third of those affected might not exhibit ‘typical symptoms.’
In a TikTok video viewed over 70,000 times, she noted, “Approximately 60 to 70% of individuals with acid reflux experience heartburn, that uncomfortable burning sensation usually occurring after meals.” This implies that one in three might not recognize their condition or its symptoms.
Dr. LeBrett, based in Idaho, urged the public to be vigilant about the less obvious signs of acid reflux.
“Keep an eye out for chronic coughs, especially at night when symptoms worsen,” she advised. “Breathing issues can also arise as the acid irritates airways, worsening conditions like asthma.” She added that difficulty swallowing is another symptom that might not be typical.
Furthermore, dentists can sometimes detect the signs of acid damage to teeth, which may appear as yellowing, cracking, or increased sensitivity.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms regularly should consult a healthcare professional, she emphasized. One viewer shared their experience on the video, saying, “I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer last year at 36. I had acid reflux for most of my life but never thought much of it. Doctors dismissed my symptoms.” Another comment simply noted, “Not me realizing my chronic cough might be acid reflux; I’ll get it checked next Monday.”
Doctors can suggest lifestyle modifications or prescribe treatments to address the issue. If left untreated, acid reflux may lead to Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition where cells in the oesophagus begin to change abnormally and have a heightened risk of becoming cancerous.
Cancer Research UK estimates that about 3-13% of Barrett’s oesophagus cases could progress to oesophageal cancer, meaning a patient with this condition faces 11 times the risk compared to someone without it. In Britain, it’s estimated that close to 60% of the nearly 9,500 oesophageal cancer cases each year are preventable.
Smoking is identified as a major risk factor, contributing to around one-third of the cases. In addition to heartburn and indigestion, a sore throat—especially when swallowing—often signals the disease. Patients are encouraged to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
Recent data indicates that occurrences of oesophageal cancer in Britain are on the rise, with overall cases increasing by 3% since the 1990s and 10% in men specifically. This year, figures established that the UK has one of the highest rates of this cancer in Europe, with alarming trends noted among younger adults. The illness results in the deaths of 22 patients daily in the UK, ranking among the highest in Europe.
Statistics reveal that the UK records 14.2 new cases of oesophageal cancer per 100,000 people annually, significantly higher than Italy’s 3.5 and Spain’s 4.4—nearly double the rates of France and Germany, which are at 7 and 7.7 respectively. Only the Netherlands exceeds the UK’s figures within Western Europe at 14.9 cases.
Action Against Heartburn, a campaign group analyzing these statistics, is advocating for increased awareness regarding oesophageal cancer across Britain.
