A doctor in the United States has gone viral on TikTok after warning people about a very common problem that many ignore. She explained that this everyday issue might seem harmless, but if it continues for a long time, it can lead to a dangerous type of cancer that often isn’t discovered until it’s too late.
Doctors have already been talking about the rise in bowel cancer among younger people, but that’s not the only cancer becoming more common. There is another deadly form that slowly develops without obvious warning signs. By the time most patients find out they have it, the cancer has already advanced. Sadly, nine out of ten people diagnosed with it die within ten years.
According to gastroenterologist Dr. Wendi LeBrett, millions of people are walking around with a major risk and don’t even know it. She explained that acid reflux, something many people think is just a minor or normal problem, can actually be a “ticking time bomb.”
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid moves back up into the throat, causing a burning feeling in the chest. Most people call this heartburn. But when acid reflux keeps happening over and over especially for years—it can seriously damage the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from our mouth to our stomach. Over time, the damaged cells can change and turn cancerous, leading to oesophageal cancer.
The scary part is that this cancer is usually discovered very late because the early signs look just like normal reflux. Many people don’t take it seriously until the symptoms become severe.
Dr. LeBrett said that 60 to 70 percent of people with acid reflux experience the classic burning feeling in the chest after eating. But that means about one in three people have no typical symptoms at all, and they don’t even realise anything is wrong.
She explained some lesser-known warning signs people should pay attention to. A chronic cough, especially at night, can be a hidden sign because acid can irritate the airways. Breathing problems, including worsening asthma, can also be caused by reflux. Difficulty swallowing is another sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Even yellow or cracked teeth can happen because stomach acid wears down tooth enamel.
Dr. LeBrett encouraged anyone who notices these signs to speak to a healthcare provider instead of ignoring them.
Many viewers were shocked by her message. One person shared that they were diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at just 36 years old after years of acid reflux that doctors dismissed. Another viewer said they planned to get checked because they had been experiencing a persistent cough linked to their reflux.
The NHS also warns that symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, frequent burping, constant hiccups, and a long-lasting cough. If people notice these signs, especially if they happen often, seeing a GP can make a big difference and help prevent serious complications in the future.
