Esophageal cancer is three to four times more common among men than women, and the risk of the disease increases with age. Most esophageal cancers are squamous cell (the risk factors for which include tobacco and alcohol use) or adenocarcinomas (often caused by acid reflux and being overweight). Although the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma is decreasing in the United States, the incidence of reflux-induced adenocarcinoma is dramatically rising.
People who suffer from persistent reflux symptoms should talk to their doctor about the risk of esophageal cancer. Over time, the acid that backs up into the esophagus can damage the lining and lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
UC Davis Health in 2019 opened a unique clinic that conducts an all-in-one treatment program to control gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
“We wanted an interdisciplinary team approach to taking care of patients who have reflux, with the ultimate goals of improving quality of life and preventing esophageal cancer,” said Peter Belafsky, co-director of the UC Davis Reflux Clinic. “In the two years we’ve been open, the patient load has increased dramatically — especially since the onset of COVID-19 when the stress caused by the pandemic created an alarming demand for GERD treatment.”
