Call for national research study to investigate the causes of oesophageal cancer

The Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation would like to support the Chief Medical Officer's recommendation for a large scale national research study to investigate the risk factors associated with the rising rate of cancer of the oesophagus. This was included in his Annual Report published yesterday, which raised grave concern over the sharp rise in oesophageal (gullet) cancer over the last two decades.

Barrett's Oesophagus is a condition which occurs in patients with a long history of heartburn and acid reflux. People with Barrett's oesophagus are up to 125 times more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than the average person. The Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation is the only charity dedicated to the prevention of cancer from this condition.

Sir Liam Donaldson's other recommendations include better educational programmes to improve public awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and research into better diagnostic techniques.

Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald, Trustee of Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation and an expert on cancer of the oesophagus, says: "Further research and greater awareness could save many lives. We hope that Sir Liam's recommendations are taken seriously."

Oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths in England and Wales and kills over 6,000 people a year. England has some of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe. Over the last 20 years, the rate of new cases in England has gone up by 86% for men and 40% for women, whereas the rate has sharply decreased in other European countries, such as France. The reasons for this are unknown.

For more information visit barrettsfoundation

Notes

1. Spokespeople and case studies are available for interview

2. To speak directly with Dr Rebecca Fitzgerald, please contact the numbers above

3. The Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation was established in 1999 as a national charity with the principal aims of:

- securing the long term future of The UK National Barrett's Oesophagus Registry (UKBOR)
- establishing a patient support group for Barrett's sufferers and their families
- funding research projects into the causes, prevention and treatment of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer

barrettsfoundation

Barrett's oesophagus (Barrett's) is an abnormal lining of the oesophagus (otherwise known as the gullet), which occurs in patients with a long history of heartburn and reflux (acid and bile moving into the gullet). In a minority of people Barrett's oesophagus may progress through a series of stages (dysplasia) to cancer.

4. PROBE is the patient support network of the Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation with three key aims: to provide a network of support and information to Barrett's patients: to raise funds for research: to raise awareness of the condition and its implications

The Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation