Ask the doctor: Using PPIs to fight cancer risk.
Do PPI drugs for stomach acid reduce the risk of cancer in people (like me) with Barrett's esophagus?Chronic acid reflux irritates the lining of the lower esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach), and that may in turn lead to Barrett's esophagus, a change in the lining of the esophagus near where it attaches to the stomach. That change is a precancerous condition: people with Barrett's esophagus have a higher risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. In fact, there's increasing evidence that chronic irritation and inflammation of any tissue makes it more vulnerable to developing cancer.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
