Kim Kardashian Reveals Why She Kept Her Oesophagitis Diagnosis Secret at First
Kim Kardashian has revealed why she initially kept her oesophagitis diagnosis private, explaining that the condition brought back painful memories of her father, Robert Kardashian, who died from oesophageal cancer in 2003.
The reality star discussed her diagnosis during the 29 October episode of The Kardashians, describing a period of feeling unwell that prompted her to consult several doctors.
'I've been feeling a little off lately,' Kardashian said, explaining that she had sought medical advice and that the diagnosis had been weighing on her mind.
Despite consulting doctors, the 46-year-old was reluctant to share the news widely because of its personal significance. Her father was just 59 when he died, approximately two months after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
'I just don't really want to go there with my dad having passed away from oesophageal cancer,' she said, explaining why the diagnosis was particularly difficult to discuss.
Kardashian also admitted she was uncertain about what would happen next. Her immediate hope was that medication would resolve the problem, although she acknowledged that the outcome was not yet clear.
'Hopefully I can just take medication, and this will go away,' she said.
A preview of the following episode indicated that Kardashian would undergo a surgical procedure. However, the full details of the procedure and the findings behind the decision have not been publicly disclosed.
Her Father's Death Adds Emotional Weight
Robert Kardashian, a lawyer widely known for his involvement in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, had a relatively rapid decline after his cancer diagnosis. This has remained a painful part of the family's history.
Kardashian's latest disclosure also follows previous public discussions about her health, including a brain aneurysm discovered during a body scan that prompted further medical investigations in 2025.
The family has supported oesophageal health awareness in his memory, including the establishment of the UCLA Robert G. Kardashian Centre for Esophageal Health in 2019.
Although Kardashian's diagnosis concerns the same organ affected by her father's cancer, the two conditions are not equivalent.
What Is Oesophagitis?
Oesophagitis is inflammation or irritation of the lining of the oesophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach.
According to the NHS and other medical authorities, it can develop for several reasons, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus. Certain medicines, infections and allergic conditions can also cause inflammation.
Symptoms may include heartburn, painful or difficult swallowing, chest discomfort and the sensation that food is becoming stuck. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medicines that reduce stomach acid, changes to medication or other targeted interventions.
Does Oesophagitis Mean You Have Cancer?
Oesophagitis describes inflammation of the oesophageal lining. Oesophageal cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop into a malignant tumour in the oesophagus.
Chronic acid reflux can damage the lining of the oesophagus and contribute to Barrett's oesophagus, a condition in which the lining changes to resemble tissue found in the intestine. Barrett's oesophagus increases the risk of oesophageal cancer, although most people with the condition do not develop cancer.
This does not mean that everyone with oesophagitis will develop Barrett's oesophagus or cancer. The risk varies according to factors such as the severity and duration of acid reflux and whether Barrett's oesophagus has developed.