A weaker association between reflux symptoms and adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia was detected and there was no association between reflux symptoms and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. These associations were independent of confounding variables including Barrett s esophagus, age, sex, smoking or alcohol abuse. The clinical implications of this study are unclear. Since twenty percent of the adult population in the United States complains of heartburn weekly, such a policy would have a remarkably low yield and place a great burden on a medical system already strained financially. Instead, further studies are necessary to define a group of patients with heartburn who are at sufficiently high risk of cancer that screening endoscopy is warranted.
Further studies are also necessary to determine the best treatment of heartburn.
However whether or not these medications will decrease the risk of cancer is unknown. Clearly, heartburn is not a benign symptom and places patients at risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Patients with heartburn, and especially those with severe or long-standing symptoms, should consult a physician for a complete evaluation. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care.