Nobody likes heartburn, but its discomfort may not be the worst of its effects. Doctors at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia say heartburn has been linked to cancer.

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Dangers Of Nighttime Heartburn Procedure Ends Heartburn Pain HEARTBURN PAIN A Gallup survey found that 40 percent of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. What is it? A painful burning sensation in the throat just below the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck or throat. What causes it? The backup of acid from the stomach into the esophagus causes irritation. Do You Suffer? RESOURCES Heartburn FAQs Videoscopic Heartburn Center National Heartburn Alliance GERD Information

Some people think heartburn isn't a big deal. Even a smart guy like Bob Reichlin had no idea what heartburn was doing to his health, year after year after year.

"I had heartburn almost every day. Once or twice a day, as a matter of fact, and I would take an antacid and it would give me relief and I would get heartburn again," Reichlin said.

Many people do the same thing Reichlin did, and that can be fatal, according to the doctors.

"The second-fastest rising cancer in the U.S. is cancer called adeno carcinoma of the esophagus, which is a special type of tumor of the esophagus, which is a result of heartburn or reflux over many years," said Dr. Anthony Dimarino, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Your esophagus is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. At the end is the lower esophageal sphincter. When it opens and lets acid back up into the esophagus, that's heartburn, also called gastro esophageal reflux, or GERD.

Reichlin's heartburn led to esophageal cancer.

"I couldn't believe it. I was so shook and so frightened of the word cancer. I wasn't even sure what an esophagus was. I could not believe it (was caused by heartburn)," Reichlin said.

Reichlin was lucky to survive. If you have an endoscopy, doctors can look into your esophagus and actually see early changes and begin treatment.

So how do you know if you're having trouble with heartburn or GERD? Some people have the classic symptom of a burning in the chest, while others have a regurgitation of food. Other people have an acidic taste in their mouth and still others have trouble swallowing their food.

"Clearly, if you're getting frequent heartburn to the extent that you're getting it two to three times a week, I believe everyone should have one endoscopy to be sure they don't have this precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus," Dimarino said. "It's poison. If you have heartburn, go to the doctor and tell him about it. It could save your life."

Most people with heartburn do not get cancer, but why take a chance? Here are some ways to prevent heartburn and acid reflux:

Lose weight

Avoid overeating

Avoid spicy foods

Avoid fried and fatty foods

Avoid caffeine

Avoid alcohol

Avoid tomato sauce

Avoid citrus juice

Avoid peppermint

Avoid eating right before bed

You can also try using prescription drugs for GERD. They are called proton pump inhibitors and go by the brand names of Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix and prescription Prilosec.