Acid reflux drugs linked to increased stomach cancer risk

Conclusion PPIs are commonly used medicines for acid reflux. This may seem like alarming news for the many people in the UK who take them, but it's important to remember that the overall risk of stomach cancer is still very low. This study has several limitations that mean we should be cautious about the results: This type of study can't prove PPIs caused the increased risk of cancer. The increased risk could be down to other factors. Researchers were unable to adjust their figures to take account of some relevant confounding factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, as these weren't routinely recorded. Almost all the patients in the study were Chinese. Asians are known to have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer than other populations, so the results may not be applicable to the general UK population. But PPIs, like most drugs, do have side effects. They're not usually intended to be taken long term. If you're taking them regularly, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether you still need to. There could be alternative treatments that would be of more benefit. Links To The Headlines Acid reflux drug linked to more than doubled risk of stomach cancer – study. The Guardian, October 31 2017 Heartburn pills raise chance of developing stomach cancer by eight times. The Sun, November 1 2017 Over-the-counter and prescription acid reflux pills taken by millions 'raise the risk of stomach cancer by up to eight-fold' if they are used regularly. Mail Online, October...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Source Type: news