• 9/14/2006
  • San Antonio, TX
  • staff
  • San Antonio Business Journal (sanantonio.bizjournals.com)

Reflux disease can be an early warning sign for esophageal cancer, according to a local surgeon who specializes in cancer treatments.

Dr. Scott Johnson, associate professor of surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSC), says people suffering from reflux disease need to be vigilant in having it treated and checked out.

“Esophageal cancer becomes apparent usually in the later stages of disease when it is largely incurable,” he says. “Patients may not realize they have a serious problem.”

Former Gov. Ann Richards died late Wednesday, Sept. 13, from esophageal cancer, which is the fastest rising major cancer in the United States.

“I cannot comment on Gov. Richards’ specific case, because I was not her physician, but I will tell you that most patients present with symptoms after it is too late to cure them,” Johnson says.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 14,550 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2006 and that the disease will kill 13,770 Americans.

Johnson says new treatments, both surgical techniques and medication, are being developed that could ultimately improve the outlook for patients with esophageal cancer.

“The key is, if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or suspect you have it, see your physician regularly and ask him or her about the risk of developing esophageal cancer,” Johnson says.