Does chronic heartburn mean cancer is looming?

• Position: Esophagus - Medical research - Brief Article

If you have heartburn, it's unlikely that you are on a path to esophageal cancer, as some advertisements for heartburn medications imply. Nevertheless, chronic heart-burn can cause medical complications, and you should talk with your doctor about your individual situation, cautions the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

Every day, about 10% of Americans have heartburn. Usually, it is fleeting and mild. Chronic heartburn that occurs several times a week could indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There are several ways to treat GERD, beginning with lifestyle changes such as exercising, losing weight, and avoiding foods that...