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Am I at Risk for Esophageal Cancer?
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is increasing in frequency and is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, a condition that 20 percent of American adults experience at least twice a week. Although these individuals are at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, the vast majority of them will never develop it. But in a few patients with GERD (estimates vary from 1 percent to 12 percent), a change in the esophageal lining develops, a condition called Barrett's esophagus. Doctors believe most cases of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus begin in Barrett's tissue.
To find out more about the long term effects of GERD:
GERD, Barrett's Esophagus and the Risk for Esophageal Cancer (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy)
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