Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, lead to cancer?

You shouldn't brush off hyperacidity and heartburn, and here's why.

If left untreated it can lead to more serious conditions,.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is when acid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The feeling when your chest or throat hurts after a meal is called heartburn and is a symptom of this disease.

In an episode of Pinoy MD, oncologist Dr. Isaac David Ampil II shared the worst case scenarios if you ignore your symptoms.

"Problema diyan, 'yung GERD, pag matagalan yan, talagang it might lead to a condition na magtatransform 'yung lining ng esophagus, kasi lagi siyang na-i-irritate," he explained. "Ito 'yung tinatawag na Barrett's esophagus."

"It is a premalignant condition. It means it can transform to cancer," he added.

So yes, there is a chance that GERD, if it does enough damage, can lead to cancer.

It can also lead to esophagitis, or the swelling and bleeding of the esophagus.

The good news is that GERD can be treated and even avoided.

Skip the foods and drinks that may trigger it such as carbonated drinks, fatty foods, dairy products, sour fruits, chocolates, and coffee.

According to Dr. Michelle Maria Cloa, a gastroenterologist at the Manila Doctor's Hospital, even wearing tight jeans can cause GERD! And so does lying face down immediately after a meal.

She advised to control your food intake — avoid being too full.

Instead of fatty foods, eat more vegetables such as cauliflower and string beans. Instead of carbonated drinks, drink ginger tea.

Chewing bubble gum would also help, because it produces saliva that would dilute the stomach acid.

Cloa also advised to lie down on your left side to narrow the esophagus and lessen the risk of acid backflowing to the esophagus.

—JCB, GMA News