GERD can lead to complications that significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Chronic acid reflux can cause inflammation and damage to the esophageal lining, which may result in a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition where the normal squamous cells lining the esophagus are replaced with abnormal glandular cells, raising the risk of developing adenocarcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer.
