Obesity often causes a hiatal hernia where the upper part of the stomach slides above the diaphragm muscle into the chest and causes heartburn.

The heartburn comes from stomach acid flowing back through the opening in the diaphragm. When this condition becomes chronic, it’s known as acid reflux disease.

Left untreated, acid reflux disease can result in Barrett’s esophagus, which puts you at high risk for esophageal cancer.

With Barrett’s, the normal lining in your esophagus changes from a lining like that of your mouth to one that’s similar to your intestines.

You may have no other symptoms when this condition turns into esophageal cancer. That’s why it’s called a “silent” cancer.

The prognosis is usually poor.

As the disease becomes more advanced, your symptoms may include difficulty swallowing; weight loss; pain in your throat, chest, or between your shoulder blades; hiccups; hoarseness; or vomiting with blood.

In the last 10 to 15 years, there’s been a 350% rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that is related to Barrett’s.

The increase in this cancer parallels the surge in obesity in the U.S.

So if you’re overweight or obese, especially if you have frequent heartburn, lose weight now. And see your doctor.

Earlier detection may improve your outlook with esophageal cancer.