World Barrett’s Oesophagus Day

World Barrett’s Oesophagus Day takes place on May 16th each year.

What is Barrett’s oesophagus?

Barrett’s oesophagus is the term used for a potentially pre-cancerous condition. In this condition, the normal cells lining the oesophagus (also known as the gullet or food pipe) have been replaced with abnormal cells. The abnormal cells start from where the oesophagus meets the stomach and spread upwards.

What are the usual symptoms of Barrett’s oesophagus?

The main symptom is reflux.

Other symptoms include:

• Heartburn.
• Regurgitation (bringing food back up).
• A metallic taste in your mouth or a sore throat, worse after lying down.
• Reflux symptoms that wake you at night are a particularly strong risk factor.

Who does Barrett’s oesophagus affect?

Risk factors for Barrett’s oesophagus include:

• Older age.
• Being male. Barrett’s oesophagus is more common in white men.
• A family history of Barrett’s oesophagus.
• Having a higher than healthy body weight.
• Smoking.
• Being diagnosed with a hiatus hernia. A hiatus hernia is where the stomach abnormally extends from the abdomen into the chest.

How common is Barrett’s oesophagus?

Barrett’s oesophagus can affect around 11 in 100 people with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). That risk increases with the length of time people have symptoms. The risk also rises when symptoms happen more often.

A concern is that a small number of people with Barrett’s oesophagus will develop oesophageal cancer, though the majority will not.

Peter’s Barrett’s oesophagus story

I would absolutely encourage people to go to the doctor if they have ongoing heartburn, reflux, or digestive symptoms, even if they seem mild or occasional. Don’t do what I did and assume it’s nothing.

It might turn out to be nothing serious, but if it is something like Barrett’s oesophagus, it’s far better to know so it can be monitored and managed. Early checks can make a huge difference.

Read Peter’s story here.

Watch our Barrett’s oesophagus webinar on demand

Discover more about Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer and hear from healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of the conditions:

Where can I find more information on Barrett’s oesophagus?

Our accredited information on digestive conditions and symptoms includes Barrett’s oesophagus. Our Helpline team can also provide information, guidance and support.

How can I help?

Our guts have been underfunded, underappreciated and misunderstood for decades. People are suffering. In silence. And alone. It’s time to change this. You can help us raise awareness of Barrett’s oesophagus by:

• Following us on social media and sharing our awareness and information posts during the day itself. You never know who we might reach and help together. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Share your experience with your own circles, and on your own social media channels. Submit your interest in sharing your story here.
• Fundraise for Guts UK Charity to help us abolish the taboos surrounding digestive health, and get to grips with guts. You can fund life-changing research and empower people to seek help sooner.