Heartburn can lead to cancer. That is the message advocates want to share about a particular type of cancer that is rapidly increasing in case numbers.
April is National Esophageal Cancer awareness month. It is deadly and becoming more common in younger patients.
The type of esophageal cancer caused by reflux disease in particular, is growing at a faster rate than any other cancer in the U.S. Sadly, only those who catch their cancer at the earliest stages are likely to be cured. So finding this cancer early is very important.
On Ask the Expert, Dr. Prakash Gatta is with Texas Health Resources at TX Harris Health Hospital in Fort Worth shares why there currently are no preventative screenings for this type of illness.
Though considered a rare disease, esophageal cancer takes more American lives each year than melanoma skin cancer or cervical cancer. Advocacy is key. Pushing for more standardized screenings is also important.
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