What’s the connection between acid reflux (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer — and when should you get checked? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, radio host Lisa Foxx sits down with two leading experts from UCI Health.
Dr. Jason Samarasena, Interventional Gastroenterologist & Chief of Gastroenterology
Dr. Brian Smith, Gastrointestinal Surgeon

Together, they break down how chronic heartburn can silently damage the esophagus, why symptoms aren’t always reliable, and how early detection can prevent cancer. You’ll learn:
The step‑by‑step progression from GERD → Barrett’s → esophageal cancer
Why men over 50 are at higher risk
Common and silent symptoms most people miss
How endoscopy and new non‑invasive screening tools detect Barrett’s earlier
Breakthrough minimally invasive treatments that can reverse damage
When surgery is needed — and how UCI Health preserves quality of life

This conversation empowers patients with knowledge and hope, showing how modern medicine can stop esophageal cancer before it starts.

What&rsquo;s the connection between acid reflux (GERD), Barrett&rsquo;s esophagus, and esophageal cancer &mdash; and when should you get checked? In this episode of Live Well with UCI Health, radio host Lisa Foxx sits down with two leading experts from UCI Health.
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Dr. Jason Samarasena, Interventional Gastroenterologist &amp; Chief of Gastroenterology</li>
<li>Dr. Brian Smith, Gastrointestinal Surgeon</li>
</ul>
Together, they break down how chronic heartburn can silently damage the esophagus, why symptoms aren&rsquo;t always reliable, and how early detection can prevent cancer. You&rsquo;ll learn:
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>The step‑by‑step progression from GERD &rarr; Barrett&rsquo;s &rarr; esophageal cancer</li>
<li>Why men over 50 are at higher risk</li>
<li>Common and silent symptoms most people miss</li>
<li>How endoscopy and new non‑invasive screening tools detect Barrett&rsquo;s earlier</li>
<li>Breakthrough minimally invasive treatments that can reverse damage</li>
<li>When surgery is needed &mdash; and how UCI Health preserves quality of life</li>
</ul>
This conversation empowers patients with knowledge and hope, showing how modern medicine can stop esophageal cancer before it starts.

Live Well with UCI Health is a health & wellness podcast, where iHeartRadio hosts including Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5, sit down with doctors, surgeons and other leaders in the medical field to discuss topics including prostate health, burns, back surgery & more!

For more info, visit ucihealth.org/podcast

Live Well with UCI Health is a health &amp; wellness podcast, where iHeartRadio hosts including Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5, sit down with doctors, surgeons and other leaders in the medical field to discuss topics including prostate health, burns, back surgery &amp; more! For more info, visit ucihealth.org/podcast

Live Well with UCI Health is a health &amp; wellness podcast, where iHeartRadio hosts including Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5, sit down with doctors, surgeons and other leaders in the medical field to discuss topics including prostate health, burns, back...

Live Well With UCI Health

Heartburn to Cancer? Doctors Explain GERD, Barrett’s & Life‑Saving Treatments

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/60cf88c2-1b17-4e64-a621-b42c01142c72/transcript