Chronic heartburn can sometimes be more than just a nuisance – it could be an early warning sign of a serious condition like esophageal cancer. In Long Beach, California, a new screening test called Esoguard is offering hope for early detection of precancerous issues.

68-year-old Ignacio Perez, who had been experiencing occasional acid reflux for the past two years, shared his experience with the new screening test. Dr. Seper Dezfoli, a gastroenterologist in Long Beach, explained that chronic heartburn can lead to the development of Barrett’s esophagus, a condition where esophagus cells are replaced by stomach cells due to acid exposure.

Esoguard, a miniature capsule about the size of a multivitamin, offers a simpler alternative to traditional endoscopy for screening abnormal cells. The test involves swallowing the capsule, which then opens up a textured balloon to gather cells for analysis. Perez described the process as easy and comfortable.

According to Dr. Dezfoli, the significance of early screening cannot be overstated. He highlighted that a large number of esophageal cancer cases go undiagnosed due to lack of screening for Barrett’s esophagus. By detecting precancerous cells early, doctors can intervene with medications and preventive measures to stop the progression of the disease.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer include being a white male over 50, a history of smoking or esophageal cancer in the family, and long-term acid reflux. Individuals with three or more of these risk factors are advised to undergo screening.

Esophageal cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, with a significant portion of cases being preventable through early detection and intervention. Perez emphasized the importance of not ignoring persistent heartburn symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly.