‘Tis the season…to have heartburn?! Holiday celebrations often include fun, festivities and food. Sometimes indulging in our favorite foods can mean heartburn. While occasional heartburn may not necessarily be a cause for concern (check with your doctor to make sure), chronic heartburn and other digestive issues may be a symptom of an underlying digestive disorder called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.
GERD can damage the esophagus and increase the risk of more serious digestive diseases, including Barrett’s esophagus and/or esophageal cancer. Many are unaware that chronic heartburn, among other factors, can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
A lack of awareness of esophageal cancer, paired with the fact that warning symptoms typically appear once the cancer has spread and becomes difficult to treat, makes esophageal cancer one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers.
While there are currently no routine or standard screenings to detect esophageal cancer, early detection is key. Please speak to your doctor if you have any risk factors or warning signs/symptoms. To learn what tests are used to screen for esophageal cancer, visit: https://salgi.org/screening
For more information on chronic heartburn and the risk of esophageal cancer, visit: SALGI.org/heartburn.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation: Established in Rhode Island on November 21, 2011, in order to raise awareness, encourage early detection and fund research in hopes of a cure of esophageal cancer; The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit organization, as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation 