The relation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal and head and neck cancers: a critical appraisal of epidemiologic literature

The prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased substantially in the United States. Studies demonstrate that certain preexisting conditions place persons at an increased risk for developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and of the head and neck. Such conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus (BE). The degree to which these conditions increase the risk is variable. This article critically evaluates data on the relationships between GERD and esophageal adenocarcinoma, between BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma, and between GERD and cancers of the head and neck.