Question: What Are the Risk Factors of Developing Cancer if You Have Barrett's Esophagus?
Answer: GERD - Chronic heartburn (GERD) is the biggest risk factor. The cancer risk increases in proportion to the length of time you've suffered from chronic heartburn, and how often you get acid reflux.
Other factors that increase the risk of acid reflux:
- Obesity - This is a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. One study shwed that it isn't how overweight you are in general that increases the risk, but the amount of fat around the abdominal area, between the chest and the hips.
- Diet - A diet high in fatty foods and low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Smoking - Cigarette smoking has been shown to significantly increase the risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
