Mindy Mintz Mordecai on the Association Between Acid Reflux and Esophageal Cancer

Mindy Mintz Mordecai, founder, president, and CEO of the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN), discusses the link between acid reflux and esophageal cancer.

ECAN has been working to not only spread awareness of the risk of esophageal cancer posed by reflux, but also spread awareness of the fact that reflux is not just heartburn. Mordecai explains that while esophageal cancer is the fastest increasing cancer among American men, a public opinion poll conducted by ECAN showed only 14% of Americans know that reflux can cause cancer.

Part of ECAN’s efforts include filing a petition with the FDA urging it to change the label on over-the-counter reflux medication to state that anyone who takes the medication may be at risk for esophageal cancer, and further, taking medication does not eliminate the risk of developing cancer.