The products like OTC Zantac and Prilosec etc work much better than Tums or Pepto but almost anything would. So far I don't know anyone who has gotten cancer from longterm indigestion or excess acid so try not to worry too much. On the other hand throwing up etc is not something you need to put up with. I take OTC Zantac when I have really bad indigestion and it works for me. Plain crackers are supposed to help too.