AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares a common symptom that can turn deadly if ignored and potentially lead to cancer

Published on: Nov 8, 2025, 14:17:46 IST

By Eshana Saha

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You should consult a doctor if you experience persistent acid reflux. (Pixabay)

Heartburn is a common digestive complaint which most people dismiss. However, Dr Sethi warns that persistent heartburn can cause oesophageal cancer if ignored.

Reaching for an antacid after a spicy meal might seem harmless - a quick fix for that familiar burning in your chest. But if heartburn becomes a regular part of your routine, it could be signalling something far more serious. Persistent acid reflux not only causes discomfort but, over time, can damage the oesophagus and even increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

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Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, has highlighted a common gastrointestinal symptom that many dismiss as mere digestive discomfort - but which can, if left untreated, progress to oesophageal cancer.

In an Instagram video posted on November 8, the gastroenterologist explains that persistent heartburn isn’t something to ignore - over time, it can damage the oesophagus and, in some cases, even lead to cancer.

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A post shared by Saurabh Sethi MD MPH | Gastroenterologist (@doctor.sethi)

Common symptom you shouldn’t ignore

Dr Sethi warns that chronic heartburn is more than just an uncomfortable nuisance - it can become dangerous and even lead to cancer if left untreated. While many people brush off occasional heartburn as a minor digestive issue, persistent acid reflux can gradually erode the lining of the oesophagus, causing long-term damage.

He explains, “Heartburn happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter, which should close after eating, stays open letting stomach acid reflux into the oesophagus. Over time, this can lead to precancerous lesions called Barrett's oesophagus and potentially oesophageal cancer.”

How to manage heartburn

Dr Sethi recommends, “For occasional heartburn, try sleeping on your left side, eating dinner at least three to four hours before bed and consuming unsweetened fennel seeds after meals. You could also try some over-the-counter anti-acid medications.”

He points out that not everyone with these symptoms necessarily has cancer, but it is always better to check with your doctor if you face persistent heartburn, “especially if you experience difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck in your food pipe.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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