Could my years of taking omeprazole lead to cancer?

I took omeprazole (20mg) for a number of years, partly because I was on aspirin for a TIA (mini stroke) and for a hiatus hernia diagnosed some years ago. About a year ago I developed very bad reflux and had a gastroscopy. It found polyps in my stomach which I was told were caused by omeprazole.

- Dr Rosemary Leonard

I was told not to worry about this but I discussed it with my GP who changed my medication.

Unfortunately, I had reactions to all the new medications we tried, or they didn't work, so I was referred back to the consultant who told me not to worry and begin taking omeprazole again, but only 10mg daily.

This does work, but I continue to worry about the polyps now I'm back on this medication. I asked if I would be checked again to make sure the polyps had not changed but was told that wasn't necessary. I continue to be concerned about this. Should I be?

A Omeprazole is one of a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, which reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

This acid is important for helping digest food, and can also kill harmful germs that could cause tummy upsets, but too much acid can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining and stomach ulcers, and acid flowing back up the oesophagus (the food pipe from the throat to the stomach) can cause heartburn.

This is a known problem in those with a hiatus hernia, where a small part of the top of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity.

Aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can inflame the stomach lining so it is common practice to give PPIs to those who have to take them long term, to help stop this.

Gastric polyps are abnormal growths from the inner lining of the stomach. They can develop for different reasons and may be associated with PPIs, and the longer a PPI is taken, and the higher the dose, the greater the chance of polyps.