Beware, Stomach Acid Disease Can Trigger Cancer

Many people underestimate acid reflux and think of it as a condition that can be treated easily. In fact, if not treated properly, stomach acid can cause serious health problems, one of which is cancer. Check out the full explanation in the following review.

Stomach Acid and Increased Risk of Esophageal Cancer

It is not known for sure why people who often experience stomach acid conditions are at risk of getting it cancer. However, this condition can potentially give problems to other organs

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often the cause is not recognized because the symptoms can come on suddenly; for example a burning and burning sensation in the chest—with a bitter or sour sensation at the end of the esophagus—a result of stomach acid that has risen to that area.

If the rise of stomach acid in the esophagus is left alone and occurs frequently, it is feared that the esophageal area will become inflamed and eventually change the lining of the esophageal cells. If not treated properly, this can trigger esophageal or esophageal cancer.

Meanwhile, someone aged 20-40 years is at risk GERD problems due to high stress levels, unhealthy lifestyles, and work pressure. Especially if you have a habit of drinking coffee, smoking, and consuming alcoholic beverages, GERD will increase.

Also read: Acid Reflux Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Esophageal Cancer Symptoms

Generally, esophageal cancer is characterized by difficulty swallowing or dysphagia. This difficulty can worsen as tumor cells grow and block the esophagus. The following are other symptoms that can occur, including:

1. Chronic Chest Pain

Chest pain with a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, just like pain during chronic heartburn or GERD. The sensation of pain will be increasingly felt when esophageal cancer has developed.

This cancer can also cause chest pain a few seconds after swallowing or when food and drink (liquids) enter past the tumor site in the esophagus.

2. Weight Loss

Research has found that about 50% of people with esophageal cancer experience sudden weight loss. This is caused by reduced food portions due to difficulty swallowing or loss of appetite due to cancer.

3. Hoarseness and Chronic Cough

A hoarse voice or cough that doesn’t go away can also indicate esophageal cancer.

This condition usually causes no symptoms at first. Generally, sufferers will only notice the symptoms after the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

That is why it is important to do an early examination to the doctor if you find signs or symptoms as described above.

Also read: Esophageal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

How to Prevent Esophageal Cancer

Apart from controlling stomach acid, here are some other steps you can take to prevent esophageal cancer, including:

• Don’t lie down after eating.
• Control weight.
• Quit or avoid smoking habit.
• Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Now, that’s the discussion about the relationship of gastric acid disease with cancer. If you experience this condition, you should see a doctor for routine checkups so that the worst possibility can be prevented or treated as soon as possible.

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