When Heartburn Isn’t Just Heartburn: Esophageal Cancer Signs & Early Detection

Esophageal cancer is something many people don’t think about until it hits close to home. In this episode, we’re joined by Patti Pierce and Dr. Swaroop Vitta to have an eye-opening conversation about the warning signs, symptoms, and why early detection matters. 

After losing her 25-year-old son, John Michael, to Stage 4 esophageal cancer, Patti shares her story and the mission behind the John Michael Pierce Foundation to raise awareness, especially among young men. Dr. Vitta also explains what to watch for, because many symptoms can easily be dismissed as everyday heartburn. This is a powerful, informative conversation that could truly save lives!

 

Who Is Patti Pierce?

Patti Pierce is the co-founder of the John Michael Pierce Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about esophageal cancer in young adults. After the heartbreaking loss of her 25-year-old son, John Michael, in 2021, Patti and her husband, Jeff, turned their grief into purpose, working to educate others on the early warning signs of this often-overlooked disease.

Through outreach efforts, events, and partnerships, Patti is passionate about helping young men recognize symptoms that can easily be dismissed, like persistent heartburn or trouble swallowing, but may signal something far more serious. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to promote early detection and ultimately save lives.

Patti and Jeff, owners of Big Sky Bread Company, split their time between Sandestin, Florida, and Birmingham, Alabama, where they stay closely connected to their family, including their daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Who Is Dr. Swaroop Vitta?

A native of Hoover, Alabama, Dr. Swaroop Vitta is a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at Birmingham Gastroenterology, where he joined in 2022. He graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in economics and earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, followed by a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at UAB.

Dr. Vitta treats a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, from colon cancer screening to inflammatory bowel disease, with a special focus on esophageal disorders. His areas of expertise include Barrett’s esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), esophageal motility disorders, and esophageal cancer, with an emphasis on early detection and personalized treatment.

He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Vitta and his wife, Kelsie, live in Vestavia and have two children, Saanvi (4) and their newborn son, Avyaan.

Questions Answered in This Episode

• How did John Michael discover he had Stage 4 esophageal cancer?
• What are the different stages of cancer, and what do they mean?
• What are the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer?
• What are the key signs and red flags to watch for, including:
  • Persistent heartburn that doesn’t improve with antacids
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Black or tar-like stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
• Is esophageal cancer more common in men or women?
• What trends are doctors seeing in esophageal cancer cases among younger men?
• What does true chronic heartburn actually feel like?
• What does screening for esophageal cancer look like?
• What is Barrett’s esophagus, and why does it matter?
• What new, less-invasive screening options are currently in development?
• How is the John Michael Pierce Foundation raising awareness and educating others?

How to Support the John Michael Pierce Foundation

• Attend their JMP Golf Classic on August 3, 2026, at the Highland Park Golf Course
• Donate to the foundation

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• John Michael Pierce Foundation
• Stay up to date with the John Michael Pierce Foundation on Instagram
• Schedule an appointment with Birmingham Gastroenterology
• Follow along with Birmingham Gastroenterology on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok

Where to Listen

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