While it appears that the prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) have plateaued, that trend may be age-dependent, according to an abstract presented in a media briefing preceding Digestive Disease Week, on May 12, 2022.

Bashar Qumseya, MD, lead researcher, presented the abstract, which showed how these conditions have significantly increased among patients aged 45-to-64.

Dr Qumseya is an associate professor of medicine and chief of endoscopy at the University of Florida, Gainesville.

Using the OneFlorida Clinical Data Research Network of more than 5 million patients in Florida, Qumseya and colleagues aimed to determine the prevalence of BE and EAC based on age group. The primary outcome was adjusted prevalence of BE and EAC per 100,000 people in the population. The participants were categorized into 3 age groups: young patients (18-44 years old), middle-aged (45-64 years old), and elderly (>65 years old).

Over the 8 years of the study, researchers found that the prevalence of EAC and BE increased logarithmically in the middle-aged group and the rate of increase of BE was highest among those patients aged 51 to 60, while the prevalence of EAC in the elderly group remained stable. The study also determined that there was no increase of esophagogastroduodenoscopy, meaning that increase of screening did not lead to this increase of prevalence. In fact, Dr Qumseya stated, “Most people with risk factors are not getting endoscopies.”

This data trend can inform clinicians when considering who is at the highest risk for these diseases and may impact screening practices for EAC and BE. Dr Qumseya said, “If you’re a provider and have patients with multiple risk factors, even though they might be in their 40s and 50s, think about these conditions, discuss the risks with your patients, and consider a screening endoscopy.”

—Allison Casey

References:
Qumseya BJ. Alarming increase in prevalence of esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus in middle-aged patients: Findings from a statewide database of over five million patients. Abstracted presented at: DDW Media Briefing; May 12, 2022; Virtual.

Alarming rise in esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus in middle age. Meeting News. DDW/AASLD. May 16, 2022.