Kim Kardashian reveals new health scare with haunting connection to father’s cancer death

Kim Kardashian is opening up about a new health diagnosis that hits close to home.

In a new trailer for "The Kardashians," the reality star, 45, revealed that she has esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus.

The diagnosis held a particular significance given that her father, Robert Kardashian Sr., died of esophageal cancer in 2003 at age 59.

ALCOHOL TIED TO SURPRISING CANCER DEATH PATTERN IN ADULTS UNDER 55, RESEARCHERS FIND In the episode, the Skims founder is seen lying on a hospital bed as someone off camera asks, "Didn’t your father ... isn’t it what he died of?" Kardashian’s manager and mother, Kris Kardashian, became emotional at this suggestion, saying, "I can’t, it makes me want to cry." Experts have noted, however, that the two conditions are not the same.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Kim Kardashian's diagnosis, esophagitis, is inflammation of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

It is most commonly caused by acid reflux, certain medications, infections or allergies, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues lining the esophagus, per the National Cancer Institute.

There are two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

While esophagitis itself does not directly cause cancer, the chronic inflammation can in some cases lead to Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that can increase the higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

This risk is higher among those with ongoing acid reflux (GERD).

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER About 5% to 15% of people with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus, although most people with Barrett's do not develop esophageal cancer, the NIDDK states.

For those who have been diagnosed with esophagitis, Mayo Clinic provides the following recommendations to manage symptoms and reduce future cancer risk.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ In another health scare, Kardashian revealed in 2025 that her doctors discovered a small, unruptured brain aneurysm during an MRI scan.

"They’re like, 'It’s been there for like years.