THE PAIN of heartburn is not something to be sniffed at – it can be so uncomfortable it disrupts daily life.

And more seriously, research shows it can increase the risk of a killer disease which is difficult to spot.

While the occasional bout of heartburn – also called acid reflux – is nothing to worry about, it shouldn’t be ignored if it’s repetitive.

Not only is it treatable, but it could save you from severe consequences.

People with heartburn are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus or the voice box in a lifetime, a study of half a million adults found.

Some 17 per cent of these cancers in people aged 50-70 may be linked with acid reflux, the researchers said in February.

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The elevated risk was seen across people regardless of their gender, whether they smoked or drank booze – other risk factors for certain cancers.

Heartburn isn’t only a potential cause of cancer, but it is leading symptom of oesophageal cancer, too.

It could mask the disease because those used to living with heartburn may think nothing of it.

Also known as cancer of the food pipe, oesophageal cancer is diagnosed around 9,200 times and the cause of 7,900 deaths every year in the UK.

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The oesophagus is a hollow tube that moves food and liquid from mouth to stomach.

The main symptoms of oesophageal cancer are quite difficult to spot, the NHS says.

They are so common in day-to-day life you may think nothing of it, especially if you are familiar with acid reflux.

“But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you", the NHS warns.

The symptoms are:

1. Heartburn 
2. Problems swallowing
3. Feeling sick
4. Indigestion
5. Burping a lot

An extended list of possible symptoms include:

• A hoarse cough that won’t get better
• A loss of appetite or weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Pain in the chest

Is your heartburn serious?

Heartburn that keeps occurring is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Up to 30 per cent of Americans and 25 per cent of Europeans suffer with GORD.

In a nutshell, the condition occurs because the muscle that allows food to flow from the oesophagus to the stomach doesn’t work as it should.

Stomach acid manages to seep through into the oesophagus where it causes irritation.

It can affect anyone but is more likely to be diagnosed in people with obesity, who are pregnant, smoke, or take certain medications.

Therefore, doctors nearly always advise to quit cigarettes and lose weight (if needed).

It’s also recommended to avoid foods and drinks that make the problem worse, such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol and spices.

GERD can be treated with medicines such as proton pump inhibitors, prescribed by a GP. 

The main symptoms are a burning pain in the chest, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, hiccups or burping, a hoarse voice, bad breath or bloating.

And this tends to be worse after eating – especially if you sit or lie down.

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There are simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your symptoms, such as raising the end of your bed, and a pharmacist can recommend medication.

But the NHS says see your GP, who can prescribe proton pump inhibitors, if:

• Lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines are not helping
• You have heartburn most days for three weeks or more
• You have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick or losing weight for no reason.

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