American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

Obesity is indeed recognized as a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The connection between obesity and this type of cancer is largely attributed to the increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in individuals who are obese. GERD can cause chronic irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, leading to conditions like Barrett's esophagus, which significantly increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Individuals with obesity tend to have higher intra-abdominal pressure, which can promote the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This reflux can lead to esophageal damage over time, increasing the likelihood of cellular changes that can culminate in adenocarcinoma.

In contrast, while Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease, its relationship with esophageal adenocarcinoma is not as direct or significant. Aspirin therapy, although it has been studied for various potential benefits, does not serve as a known risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma and may even have a protective effect in some cases. Likewise, irritable bowel syndrome, while it can cause digestive discomfort, does not have a direct causal link to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Thus, the