Can GERD Cause Esophageal Cancer?

Esophageal cancer only affects approximately 1% of the population, and it is more likely that someone with uncontrolled GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus. However, the development of abnormal cells from this condition could lead to cancer, especially in individuals with elevated risk factors like family history.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a common condition, with estimates that around 20% of the US population suffers from the disorder.¹ The longer the condition goes untreated, the more likely it is for complications to occur.

GERD is characterized by the chronic backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not effectively seal swallowed food and digestive fluids in the stomach, allowing gastric contents to regurgitate.

The reflux, frequently called heartburn, feels like a pain in the chest that starts behind the breastbone and moves to the throat. Patients sometimes report an unpleasant acid taste in the mouth. Patients with GERD sometimes experience a frequent cough or difficult or painful swallowing as the condition persists.

The damage caused over time by the frequent backwash of acid can lead to conditions like Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition, and even esophageal cancer.

While GERD is a risk factor for esophageal cancer, it is more common for Barrett’s esophagus to occur first. Barrett’s esophagus happens when normal cells in the esophagus begin to be replaced by abnormal cells. These abnormal cells create an esophageal lining that is more similar to the intestinal lining in order to handle the acidity. Initially, this is helpful. But over time, the cells become unstable and can eventually lead to cancer.

Many patients do not experience symptoms from Barrett’s esophagus (beyond those of GERD), and it is typically found during an upper endoscopy procedure. It is possible that a patient’s GERD symptoms decrease as Barrett’s esophagus advances, because the new cells become more tolerant of acid. However, this indicates the abnormal cells have progressed and are more likely to become cancerous. Because esophageal cancer is a known complication of Barrett’s esophagus, while rare, your doctor may recommend more strict lifestyle modifications and routine screening.

Esophageal cancer is not common. Of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, only about 1% of the population is affected. Over a lifetime, 1 in 132 men and 1 in 437 women will receive that diagnosis.² Compare this to lung cancer, where the chance is 1 in 19. In 2026 alone, estimates for new cases of lung cancer are predicted to be 229,410; estimates for new cases of esophageal cancer come in at 22,530.²¯³

Esophageal cancer is also closely associated with alcohol and tobacco use. Other factors that may increase the risk for esophageal cancer include obesity, a diet high in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, and frequently ingesting very hot liquids or foods that can damage the esophagus when swallowed. There has also been a link established to long-term exposure to some chemicals. The cause of Barrett’s esophagus is limited to the effects of gastric acid damaging the esophageal tissue.

While few patients with GERD will ever develop esophageal cancer, some people have greater potential than others. Additional risk factors include a family history, GERD that started at an early age, reflux that has persisted for over 10 years, or a history of having a hiatal hernia.

If you are concerned about persistent heartburn or have questions about your digestive health, we recommend discussing treatment options with us, including the innovative, minimally invasive LINX device for GERD. For patients who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, surgery may be the best treatment option.

If you or someone you love has complained about acid reflux, our team is always happy to help patients better understand diagnosis and treatment options. Contact the team at SAMPA for evaluation or surgical consultation.

References:

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020, July). Definition & Facts for GER & GERD. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts.
2. American Cancer Society. (2026). Key Statistics for Esophageal Cancer. Www.cancer.org; American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/esophagus-cancer/key-statistics.html.
3. American Cancer Society. (2026). Key Statistics for Lung Cancer. Www.cancer.org; American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.