A new study has showed that chronic inflammation caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause changes in the leaning layer of the gullet called barrett’s esophagus which in long term may lead to cancer.

The investigation which looked at about 34,000 GERD patients in Denmark showed that 77 percent of the cases had erosive reflux disease or inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.

During 7.4 years follow up, overall 0.11 percent of the studied people developed esophageal cancer. However, the rate was much higher in patients with erosive reflux disease, according to the report published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

“Our research shows that damage to the esophageal lining that can be seen with endoscopy is important in the progression from normal cells to cancer, and Barrett’s esophagus is likely to be an intermediate step,” said senior author Dr. Rune Erichsen of Aarhus University Hospital.

“Although reflux patients with a history of inflammation, irritation or swelling of the esophagus are at increased risk for esophageal cancer, the absolute risk of cancer even in these patients is very low,” added Dr. Erichsen who highlighted that the risk can become much lower by treating acid reflux in patients.

Estimates show that during the past three decades, the rates of esophageal cancer have significantly increased in the US and Europe. Reportedly, only in the US 10,000 new patients are being diagnosed with esophageal each year.