GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease affects millions of people globally, causing heartburn and discomfort. While various treatment options exist, some studies have linked the long-term use of certain medications to an increased risk of developing specific cancers. Many people ask themselves the burning question: Can GERD medication cause cancer?

GERD Cancer Risk

It’s important to recognize that individuals with GERD are already at an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, especially if left untreated for a prolonged period.

However, the use of certain drugs to suppress GERD symptoms may also pose a risk of developing cancer due to their potential side-effects.

In this article, I’ll delve deeper into the potential cancer risks associated with GERD and GERD medication and explore alternative treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your health.

PPI Drugs

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to manage GERD symptoms. They are the strongest type of medicine available for breaking down stomach acid.

Although these medications effectively reduce acid production in the stomach, research suggests that antacids like PPI drugs can cause cancer by reducing the stomach’s acid levels.

Examples of PPI drugs include:

• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Rabeprazole (Aciphex)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
• Esomeprazole and Naproxen (Vimovo)
• Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate (Zegerid)
• Lansoprazole and Naproxen (Prevacid NapraPAC)
• Rabeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate (Aciphex Sprinkle)

How do PPI drugs work?

PPIs inhibit the proton pump in the stomach, which is responsible for producing acid. A proton pump is an enzyme found in the stomach lining that plays a crucial role in producing stomach acid.

By blocking this pump, PPIs decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach, which can reduce symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. This can provide relief to individuals with GERD and other acid-related conditions.

Reduced stomach acid means reduced pain. But you NEED stomach acid. Reduced acid levels in the stomach may interfere with the digestive process and affect the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

Stomach acid also helps to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that we may ingest with our food, protecting us from infection.

The risks of long term use of PPIs

The long-term use of PPIs has been associated with a higher risk of developing stomach and kidney cancer, as well as infections like pneumonia and Clostridium difficile.

Furthermore, studies have shown that the risk of cancer increases with the duration of PPI use, with those taking the medication for more than a year at a higher risk.

While not all individuals who take PPIs will develop cancer, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of the medication, particularly if you have been using it for an extended period.

H2-blocker drugs

While PPIs have been the focus of most studies linking GERD medication to cancer risk, other types of drugs used to manage GERD symptoms may also have potential risks.

For example, H2 receptor blockers, another class of medications used to reduce stomach acid production, have been associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer when used over a long period.

They work by blocking the histamine receptor (H2) on the cells in the stomach lining that produce acid, reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

Examples of H2-blocker drugs include:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Famotidine (Pepcid,Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral, Zantac 360)
• Nizatidine (Axid AR, Axid Capsules, Nizatidine Capsules)

Other drugs

There are other types of drugs that have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

For example, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to suppress the pain, have been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach and colon cancer.

Additionally, a class of drugs called prokinetics, which are used to improve motility in the gastrointestinal tract, have also been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Specifically, one prokinetic drug called Cisapride was removed from the market in 2000 because of its cardiac side effects and reports of deaths. It was also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Alternative Treatment Options

Aside from medication, certain lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms. Or you can read the free ‘Reflux Revolution’ e-book, in which I explain how you can actually cure GERD and get off the antacids.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Can GERD medication cause cancer?
A: Yes, long-term use of certain drugs will increase the risk of developing stomach and kidney cancer.

Q: What are the alternative treatment options for GERD?
A: Lifestyle changes may be an effective way to prevent GERD,  but it does not cure the condition. The Reflux Revolution however, activates the body’s inner healing mechanism, to correct and cure the root cause of GERD.

Q: Should I stop taking my GERD medication?
A: It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of your treatment options. With the Reflux Revolution you will get a phase-out schedule while at the same time curing the root cause of GERD.

Conclusion

Although PPIs and other drugs can effectively mask GERD symptoms, their long-term use may increase the risk of developing specific cancers. Alternative treatment options and lifestyle changes may help manage GERD symptoms. Consider the Reflux Revolution as a quick and safe method to cure the root cause of GERD.

It’s up to you to make an informed decision.

👉Source
👉Free Reflux Revolution ebook