April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month and Stretta Therapy has taken to social media to help patients and consumers get #GERDSmart about the connection between chronic heartburn and esophageal cancer.

Chronic acid reflux, or GERD, can lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition associated with an increased risk for esophageal cancer. 10% of people with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Patients who treat their chronic GERD by over-using proton-pump inhibitors especially put themselves at risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, because while they may relieve symptoms, stomach acid will continue to reach the esophagus, causing complications.

Additionally, patients who have “silent reflux” are at risk even though they don’t experience the pain and discomfort of heartburn. Known as the “silent killer,” silent reflux can cause esophageal damage to people who don’t seek treatment because they don’t have traditional acid reflux symptoms.

Stretta Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that treats the cause of acid reflux—a weak lower esophageal sphincter—not just the symptoms. Studies have shown that Stretta Therapy is a safe procedure that provides effective, lasting treatment of GERD, including more than 40 studies from around the world.

Get #GERDSmart today: follow Stretta Therapy on Twitter and LinkedIn and help spread the word about esophageal cancer!