Individuals with Barrett’s esophagus may have an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

How Common is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is more prevalent in the United States than in other countries. The number of affected individuals in the U.S. has risen in recent years, with researchers estimating that approximately 5% of adults in the country have the condition. Globally, it affects around 1% of people.

Who is More Likely to Develop Barrett’s Esophagus?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing Barrett’s esophagus, including:

• Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  
  

• Being male

  
  

• Being White

  
  

• Being 50 years or older

  
  

• Using tobacco

  
  

• Carrying excess weight around the waist

• Having a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer

What Are the Complications of Barrett’s Esophagus?

Individuals with Barrett’s esophagus have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Before cancer occurs, abnormal cells may appear in the affected tissue, a condition known as dysplasia.

Doctors classify dysplasia as:

• Low-grade dysplasia (mild cellular changes)

  
  

• High-grade dysplasia (more severe cellular changes)

While most people with Barrett’s esophagus do not develop cancer, those with high-grade dysplasia are at a greater risk. The progression to cancer can take many years.

Tests for Barrett’s Esophagus

The only way to find out if you have Barrett’s esophagus is with an endoscopy and a biopsy to look at the tissue of your esophagus (the tube that links your mouth and stomach) under a microscope.

Barrett’s esophagus can be hard to find, since it may not be in all the tissue in your esophagus. Because of this, The Gastroenterologist doing your endoscopy will take tissue samples (biopsies) from any areas of your esophagus that don’t look right.

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

[1] Sharma P. Barrett Esophagus: A Review. JAMA. 2022;328(7):663–671. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.13298

Last Reviewed: August 2024

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