[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/gerd-and-esophageal-cancer-risk-2-rcca-oncologists-discuss-what-to-know-and-what-to-do\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/gerd-and-esophageal-cancer-risk-2-rcca-oncologists-discuss-what-to-know-and-what-to-do\/","headline":"GERD and Esophageal Cancer Risk: 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028Discuss What to Know \u2013 and What to Do\u2028","name":"GERD and Esophageal Cancer Risk: 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028Discuss What to Know \u2013 and What to Do\u2028","description":"GERD and Esophageal Cancer Risk: 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028Discuss What to Know \u2013 and What to Do\u2028 July 7, 2026 Living with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can mean living with worries. Will the limited-choice menu at that important business dinner have something \u2018safe\u2019 for me to eat? Is this chest pain that has me up […]","datePublished":"2026-07-07","dateModified":"2026-07-07","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1295425690.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1295425690.jpg","height":443,"width":788},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/gerd-and-esophageal-cancer-risk-2-rcca-oncologists-discuss-what-to-know-and-what-to-do\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1611,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGERD and Esophageal Cancer Risk: 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028Discuss What to Know \u2013 and What to Do\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJuly 7, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiving with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can mean living with worries. Will the limited-choice menu at that important business dinner have something \u2018safe\u2019 for me to eat? Is this chest pain that has me up at 3 a.m. just a bad episode of reflux or could it be a cardiac issue? And will the long-term effects of GERD increase my risk for developing cancer of the esophagus?Two medical oncologists with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists serving patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area, addressed that last question in a recent interview.Jumana Chatiwala, MD, said, \u201cAbout 70% of people with GERD have the non-erosive form of the condition. This means that even though they have chronic acid reflux, there are no visible erosions, ulcers, or inflammation when a physician examines their esophagus \u2013 the tube that connects the throat to the stomach \u2013 during an upper endoscopy procedure. People with non-erosive GERD have a risk of esophageal cancer that is the same as or only slightly higher than that of the general population. However, esophageal cancer risk is modestly elevated in the 30% or so of people who have the less-common form of GERD \u2013 erosive esophagitis. And the risk is increased further in people who progress from GERD to a condition called Barrett\u2019s esophagus, in which the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by long-term acid reflux. Even in those cases, however, the great majority of people with erosive esophagitis or Barrett\u2019s esophagus will not develop esophageal cancer, which is fairly uncommon in the United States.\u201dJoel Silver, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices at RCCA\u2019s West Hartford, CT, office, noted that these differences in risk reflect the role that chronic inflammation plays in the development of cancer. \u201cMore than 160 years ago, a German pathologist named Rudolf Virchow noted the presence of white blood cells in cancerous tissues. Because white blood cells are a component of the inflammatory response that the immune system initiates to fight pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and to heal damaged tissue, Virchow theorized that some tumors may develop at sites of persistent inflammation and tissue damage. Subsequent decades have seen his theory validated and refined, with chronic inflammation and tissue damage in the colon, cervix, and esophagus, among other sites, now known to increase cancer risk. This explains why risk is elevated when there is erosion or ulceration \u2013 forms of tissue damage and triggers for an inflammatory response \u2013 in the esophagus. It also is the reason for the increased risk associated with Barrett\u2019s esophagus, in which the flat pink lining of the esophagus thickens and becomes red due to sustained damage from acid reflux,\u201d he said.Esophageal Cancer: What to KnowDr. Silver explained that erosive esophagitis and Barrett\u2019s esophagus are only two of several risk factors for cancer of the esophagus. He said, \u201cOther risk factors include drinking alcohol, tobacco use, excess body weight, certain inherited conditions, being older, and being male. In terms of those last two, the average age at diagnosis is 69 years, and the lifetime risk in the US is about 1 in 132 for men versus 1 in 437 for women.\u201dThe oncologist said that esophageal cancer makes up about 1% of cancers diagnosed in the US each year and added that the American Cancer Society estimates 22,530 new cases and 16,290 deaths from the disease nationwide this year.Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal CancerThe signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include heartburn, hoarseness, chronic cough, trouble swallowing, weight loss, and vomiting after eating. \u201cMany of these potential indicators of esophageal cancer, such as chronic cough or weight loss, are what doctors call \u2018non-specific\u2019 symptoms. That means they can be attributable to a wide variety of conditions, some relatively minor and others quite serious,\u201d said Dr. Silver. The oncologist added that it is important to see a physician promptly for evaluation of such symptoms so that their cause can be identified and treated.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cAvoiding tobacco, abstaining from or limiting alcohol use, and pursuing a healthy weight reduce your risk for erosive esophagitis, Barrett\u2019s esophagus, and esophageal cancer, as well as for cancer and cardiovascular disease overall.\u201d\u2028\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- Jumana Chatiwala, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cCancer risk is elevated when there is erosion or ulceration \u2013 forms of tissue damage and triggers for an inflammatory response \u2013 in the esophagus.\u201d\u2028 Joel Silver, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEsophageal Cancer: What to DoDr. Chatiwala, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices at RCCA\u2019s Sparta, NJ, office, said that beyond seeing a doctor to investigate persistent symptoms, adopting several lifestyle changes can help reduce the risks for erosive esophagitis, Barrett\u2019s esophagus, and \u2013 ultimately \u2013 esophageal cancer. \u201cAvoiding tobacco, abstaining from or limiting alcohol use, and pursuing a healthy weight can cut your chances for developing those conditions, as well as for cancer and cardiovascular disease overall,\u201d she said. She added that obtaining medical treatment for GERD or Barrett\u2019s esophagus is also important and can improve quality of life as well as health. The medical oncologist said, \u201cIt is important for people at elevated risk for esophageal cancer to make the changes needed to reduce that risk. From 2015 to 2021, the latest period for which we have comprehensive data, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized esophageal cancer was only 49% and the combined rate for all stages of the disease \u2013 localized, regional, and distant \u2013 was just 22%. We have made significant progress since then in how we employ surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to treat the disease, but we are still not where we need to be. At RCCA, we offer patients facing esophageal cancer the latest in cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies, as well as access to clinical trials, but prevention remains \u2013 and always will remain \u2013 the preferred approach.\u201dFind Expert Care for Esophageal Cancer Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., AreaDr. Chatiwala and Dr. Silver are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact us today.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. Esophageal Cancer. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/esophagus-cancer.html. Accessed May 30, 2026.Holmberg D, Santoni G, von Euler-Cheplin M, et al. Non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in three Nordic countries:population based cohort study. BMJ. 2023;382:e076017. http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1136\/bmj\u20112023\u2011076017.Hossa K, Malecka-Wojciesko E. Advances in gastroesophageal reflux disease management: exploring the role of potassium-competitive acid blockers and novel therapies. Pharmaceuticals. 2025.18, 699. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ph18050699.Mayo Clinic. Barrett\u2019s esophagus. Available at https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/barretts-esophagus\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352841. Accessed May 28. 2026.Shaheen NJ. Risk of cancer in patients with Barrett\u2019s esophagus. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;15(12):688-690.Winstead E. National Cancer Institute. Targeting inflammation emerges as a strategy for treating cancer. April 19, 2022. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/news-events\/cancer-currents-blog\/2022\/reducing-inflammation-to-treat-cancer. Accessed May 27, 2026.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEsophageal Cancer: 10 Fast FactsRisk factors (partial list): Barrett\u2019s esophagus\/Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), older age, male sex, tobacco use, alcohol use, excess body weight, certain inherited syndromesSymptoms: Heartburn, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, chronic cough, weight loss, vomiting after eating. (Note: These symptoms may be indicative of a wide variety of conditions, not just esophageal cancer, and warrant prompt medical evaluation)Average age at diagnosis in US: 69 yearsEstimated number of new cases in 2026: 22,530Lifetime risk in US men: 1 in 132Lifetime risk in US women: 1 in 437Percentage of all cancers diagnosed US annually: 1%Estimated number of deaths in 2026: 16,290Five-year relative survival rate, 2015-2021: 22%Treatment modalities: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, clinical trials.Source: American Cancer Society. Esophageal Cancer. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/esophagus-cancer.html. Accessed May 30, 2026.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow and When Your Patient\u2019s Oncologist Should Be Communicating with You: 2 RCCA Specialists Weigh In\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeth H. Berk, MD, says that even in this era of electronic medical records and text messaging, primary care physicians and other clinicians too often\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBlack Men and Prostate Cancer: 2 RCCA Oncologists Discuss \u2018the Number You Need to Know\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGlen Gejerman, MD, says that when it comes to risk for developing prostate cancer and for having poor outcomes with the disease, Black men face\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"GERD and Esophageal Cancer Risk: 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028Discuss What to Know \u2013 and What to Do\u2028","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/gerd-and-esophageal-cancer-risk-2-rcca-oncologists-discuss-what-to-know-and-what-to-do\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]