Increase in Esophageal Cancer, Barrett Esophagus

The rate of esophageal cancer has nearly doubled in middle aged adults, according to results of a study presented at Digestive Disease Week 2022. Further, the rate of Barrett esophagus has increased by 50% from 2012 to 2019.

Researchers utilized electronic health record data from the oneFlorida Clinical Data Research Network that included approximately 5 million individuals. Patients were divided into 3 age categories: 18 to 44 years, 45 to 64 years, and 65 years or older.

The results indicate that the rate of esophageal cancer increased from 49 per 100,000 patients to 94 per 100,000 patients among those aged 45 to 64 years. This finding is despite the aged 65-years-and-older group continuing to have the highest incidence of esophageal cancer. Similarly, the rate of Barrett esophagus increased from 304 per 100,000 individuals to 466 per 100,000 individuals. The rate of esophagogastroduodenoscopy during the study period remained consistent.

“Many patients in the US now have colonoscopies starting at age 45, so conducting an endoscopy at the same time, among those with multiple risk factors, could help capture more patients with Barrett esophagus and esophageal cancer,” concluded study author Bashar J. Qumseya, MD, MPH, University of Florida, Gainesville.

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Alarming rise found in esophageal cancer and barrett esophagus in middle-aged adults. News release. Digestive Disease Week; May 18, 2022. Accessed June 7, 2022. https://ddw.org/2022/05/18/alarming-rise-found-in-esophageal-cancer-and-barretts-esophagus-in-middle-aged-adults/