Excuse Me: Is Burping a Lot a Sign of Cancer?

Burping (or belching) may not be the politest of bodily functions, but it’s a normal one. And it can happen for a number of reasons.

But if you’re concerned that you’re burping too much, it can get you wondering just how serious it is. And then, your train of thought lands on the biggest of worries: Is burping a lot a sign of cancer?

Rest assured, it’s almost definitely not, says oncologist Suneel Kamath, MD. “Burping isn’t anywhere near the top of the list as a symptom of cancer.”

What causes excessive burping

If you tell a healthcare provider that you’re burping too much, cancer isn’t going to be top of mind for them.

“Burping is basically a function of gas,” Dr. Kamath explains. “It happens when air builds up in your stomach and needs to be released.”

Excessive burping is much more likely to be a symptom of issues like:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes your stomach acid to flow into your esophagus, causing heartburn, indigestion and sometimes burping.
• Stomach ulcers can slow down digestion or cause extra gas, which may lead to frequent burping or bloating.
• Gastroparesis is a condition where the muscles that move food through your stomach don’t work as well as they should. That means food and air can linger, creating pressure and gas buildup that leads to burping.
• Hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm into your chest cavity. That pressure can trap air and interfere with normal digestion — both of which can cause frequent burping or reflux-like symptoms.
• Esophageal motility disorders, like achalasia, affect how the muscles in your esophagus move food down into your stomach. When that movement (or “motility”) is off, air can get stuck or pushed back up, making you burp more.
• Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause gas, too. Your body doesn’t fully absorb them, which allows them to ferment and make you burp and fart.
• Eating habits, like chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages or eating too quickly, can cause you to swallow air and lead to burping. You may also find that you swallow extra air if you use a CPAP machine or smoke.

Could burping a lot be a sign of cancer?

People often worry that burping could be associated with GI cancers, like cancer of the:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Liver

In theory, a mass on these organs could take up space in your GI tract and change how food moves through your system or block how air flows through your body. That could indirectly lead to burping.

But burping isn’t the warning flag that would cause a healthcare provider to suspect cancer.

“These cancers could potentially cause burping,” Dr. Kamath acknowledges. “But burping alone isn’t going to set off alarm bells to a healthcare provider as a reason to suspect cancer.”

It’s like having a headache and rushing to the conclusion that you have a brain tumor. Or forgetting where you set your keys down and assuming you have dementia. Sure, it’s possible. But it’s not very likely, unless there are other reasons to suspect something more serious is happening.

Burping and symptoms of cancer

Instead of considering burping a lot as a sign of cancer, healthcare providers would look for more likely signs of GI cancers, like:

• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting or regurgitating food
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent and intense hiccupping
• Extreme fatigue

“Those are the red flags that would make me more concerned about the potential for cancer,” Dr. Kamath says. “Excessive burping may accompany these symptoms, and it may not.”

What to do if you’re burping a lot

Excessive burping can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Dr. Kamath suggests trying these strategies to burp less:

• Cut back on gum, carbonated beverages and artificial sweeteners.
• Eat slowly to avoid swallowing extra air.
• Take short walks after meals.
• Avoid smoking.

“Most people can try these simple steps first. If it doesn’t improve, it’s time to see a provider,” Dr. Kamath recommends.

If your provider suspects a GI condition is causing your burping, they’ll ask about other symptoms and may order tests like:

• Endoscopy to look at your esophagus and stomach for ulcers and inflammation.
• Swallowing tests or imaging to assess motility problems or blockages.
• Bloodwork or imaging scans to check on issues like liver disease or pancreatic conditions.

Depending on what they find, your healthcare provider may recommend additional lifestyle changes or medication to manage the underlying cause of your excessive burping.

Bottom line? If you’re concerned about excessive burping or showing other signs of potential GI issues, talk with a healthcare provider. They can help you find the causes and solutions.