When Heartburn Isn’t “Just” Heartburn: A Wake-Up Call About Reflux and Stomach Cancer

 By Dr. Randal Baker, Grand Health Partners

This past week, I came across a heartbreaking story that serves as a critical reminder of why our Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinic — also known as our Heartburn Clinic — exists. Brennan Elliot, a Hallmark actor, recently shared the devastating news that his wife, Camille Row, passed away at just 45 years old following a battle with gastric cancer.

What struck me most about this story was not only the tragedy of losing someone so young, but the details of Camille’s journey — and how eerily familiar it sounds to what we see in many of our patients.

According to the article, Camille was first diagnosed with stage 1 stomach cancer back in 2018. That diagnosis came after she had endured two years of persistent reflux pain that never fully went away. She ultimately underwent an endoscopy — a procedure we perform regularly at our clinic — which revealed the early-stage cancer.

Sadly, her condition later progressed to stage 4. Camille made it her mission to raise awareness, becoming an advocate for other gastric cancer patients. Her story is powerful, and it’s a wake-up call that I hope will inspire others to take their reflux symptoms seriously.

Chronic Heartburn and the Risk of Gastric Cancer

Many people still think of heartburn as a minor inconvenience — something that can be brushed off with over-the-counter medications or chalked up to a spicy meal. But the reality is far more serious. Chronic heartburn and reflux (also known as GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) can significantly increase the risk of gastric and esophageal cancers over time.

The longer reflux goes unaddressed, the greater the damage to the esophagus and stomach lining. And unfortunately, we’re seeing a sharp rise in these kinds of diagnoses — often in younger individuals — many of whom delayed seeking care or relied solely on acid-reducing medications for years without further investigation.

The Problem with “Managing It Yourself”

One of the most common trends we see is patients self-treating their symptoms with acid blockers like omeprazole or famotidine. While these medications can temporarily relieve symptoms, they’re not a cure — and they certainly don’t replace proper evaluation.

In fact, using these medications for too long without medical oversight can mask symptoms and delay the detection of more serious conditions like Barrett’s esophagus or even early-stage cancer. In Camille’s case, it wasn’t until she pushed for an endoscopy that her cancer was detected — and by then, it had already taken hold.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, it’s time to be evaluated by a specialist:

• Burning sensation in the chest or throat (especially after eating)
  
• Chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
  
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Ongoing need for acid-reducing medication
  
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort that doesn’t go away
  

Even if these symptoms seem manageable, don’t wait. Reflux is a sign that something isn’t functioning properly — and ignoring it could lead to long-term complications.

We’re Here to Help — No Referral Needed

At Grand Health Partners, we take reflux seriously. That’s why we’ve built a dedicated Heartburn Clinic designed specifically for evaluating and treating chronic GERD, acid reflux, and their complications.

We offer a full range of diagnostics, including endoscopy, pH testing, and imaging, and we work with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan. For some, lifestyle changes and medication are enough. For others, surgical treatment may provide long-lasting relief and help prevent disease progression.

Our goal is early detection — because catching problems early, as in Camille’s initial stage 1 diagnosis, gives patients the best chance at recovery and long-term health.

Be Your Own Advocate — and Let Us Be Yours Too

Camille Row’s story is a painful reminder of what’s at stake when reflux goes unchecked. But it’s also a testament to the power of advocacy — for yourself and for others.

If you’ve been living with chronic heartburn, don’t ignore it. And if you’ve been relying on medications without a diagnosis, it’s time to dig deeper.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you find answers, relieve your symptoms, and protect your long-term health.

Schedule a consultation today with our Heartburn Clinic at Grand Health Partners.
Because when it comes to your health, early action can save your life.

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