A study finds people who suffer frequent heartburn and acid reflux run a higher risk of cancer of the esophagus. The Swedish study says that taking antacids won't reduce the danger. Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest that people commonly associate with spicy foods or overeating. Acid reflux is a regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the esophagus because of a faulty valve.
Doctors suspect that over time, the irritating acid causes cellular changes in the esophagus.
They think this can lead to the most deadly form of esophageal cancer. The study is in the New England Journal of Medicine . Copyright 1999 by The Associated Press Information about privacy policy , and terms of use .