Obesity, acid reflux identified as esophageal cancer risk factors

Obesity and acid reflux are two major risk factors of esophageal cancer, according to a review article published in New England Journal of Medicine.

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According to the review, daily and weekly symptoms of acid reflux increase a person’s likelihood of developing esophageal cancer. Additionally, abdominal obesity increases the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus and cancer. Increased pressure causes the stomach to move upward, which can cause and exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.

“It’s important to remember that the risk factors, obesity and acid reflux, are potentially modifiable,” said Hashem El-Serag, MD, senior author of the review and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

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