Barrett's Esophagus in the U.S.: How GERD Increases Cancer Risk
The Gastro Girl Podcast
02/11/26
•29m
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Chronic heartburn and GERD are often brushed off as everyday issues—but for some patients, long-term reflux can quietly progress to Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer.
In Part 1 of this 4-part U.S.-focused patient education series, foregut surgeon Dr. Dan Lister, Founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, explains how reflux disease can evolve over time and why early recognition matters.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How chronic GERD can progress silently
- Why Barrett's esophagus matters—even when symptoms improve or disappear
- Key warning signs patients should never ignore
- How Barrett's is detected and risk is assessed in the U.S.
- Treatment approaches that may help reduce cancer risk
Whether you've lived with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance to help you take reflux seriously—and take action.
This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Previous Episode
MASH—metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (formerly known as NASH)—is a progressive form of fatty liver disease that often develops silently, without obvious symptoms. Many people don't realize their liver is being damaged until the disease has already advanced.
In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Pooja Singhal, a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, obesity medicine specialist, and founder of the Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness Center.
Dr. Singhal explains:
- The difference between MASLD and MASH
- Why MASH is frequently missed or diagnosed late
- Why testing—not symptoms—is the only reliable way to assess liver health
- Who is at risk for developing MASH
- How MASH is diagnosed and what liver testing involves
- Why fibrosis (liver scarring) matters
- Current treatment, prevention, and long-term management strategies
- How early identification can help reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer
This episode focuses specifically on MASH, the progressive form of fatty liver disease. MASLD is discussed only to help listeners understand how MASH develops and why timely testing matters.
Designed to reduce confusion, raise awareness, and empower patients, this conversation equips listeners with the knowledge they need to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
Thank you to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals for supporting this episode.
Next Episode
Auto-Brewery Syndrome: When Your Gut Produces Alcohol
February 25
•30m
Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), sometimes called gut fermentation syndrome, is one of the most misunderstood conditions in digestive health. Patients can experience real symptoms of alcohol intoxication—even when they haven't consumed alcohol—often leading to years of misdiagnosis, stigma, and confusion.
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research published in Nature Microbiology examining how specific gut microbes may produce ethanol inside the body and contribute to auto-brewery syndrome.
Host Jacqueline Gaulin, founder of Gastro Girl, is joined by researcher and co-author Barbara Cordell to break down:
• What auto-brewery syndrome is and how it affects patients • Why this condition has historically been difficult to diagnose • What new microbiome research reveals about microbial ethanol production • How this science may help validate patient experiences • What clinicians and patients should know moving forward
This evidence-based, patient-focused conversation sheds light on a condition that has long been misunderstood—and offers hope for clearer recognition, research, and support.
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