MOUNT VERNON — More than 23 million Americans take prescriptions for Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease (GERD). You probably know it as acid reflux or heartburn. Millions more rely on over-the-counter medications.
Still others have undergone a surgical procedure called Nissen Fundoplication which involves fastening a section of the stomach around the esophagus. However, the procedure has potential side effects that scare people. The seriousness of GERD is not just a matter of the discomfort the disease can cause, and the need to be careful about diet, it is also linked to a form of esophageal cancer. According to Dr. Paul Taiganides at Knox Community Hospital, cases of that cancer have become epidemic in the U.S. and there is a clear statistical link to the growing use of anti-heartburn medications, including the over-the-counter forms, when used for long periods. The acid reflux itself can damage the esophagus and lead to cancer, but the drugs used to counter the acidity actually increase the cancer risk. Taiganides said it’s not clear why the risk factors increases with long-term use of the medication, but a study in Sweden indicated using the medication for three years triples the risk of cancer. “The medications are meant to be used for only about six weeks,” Taiganides said, “Yet some people have been on them for 20 years.”For the full story, click here for the May 30, 2012 e-edition. The article will only be available for thirty (30) days.
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