Chronic Heartburn
Heartburn is usually a sign of reflux esophagitis. However, if heartburn persists, it may be related to esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus.
In May 2012, the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology published a study showing that chronic heartburn causes inflammation of the lining tissue of the esophagus and increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
Also in 2013, a study conducted by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital on the link between Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer development was published in the American Journal of Cell Physiology.