Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophago-gastric Cancer

A recent study using data from @NICanReg  and pathological diagnoses from across NI has shown that the suspension of endoscopy during the early stages of the pandemic led to a 26.6% fall in oesophageal and gastric cancer diagnosis. This means 53  fewer patients diagnosed than expected

For Barrett’s oesophagus diagnoses fell by 59 .3%. Barrett’s cases fell by 95.5% in April alone. Meaning 236 fewer Barrett’s cases than expected with numbers of diagnoses still below the expected rates

We can only expect more diagnoses to be missed during the current restrictions.

• Persistent Indigestion
• Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
• Heartburn acid reflux
• Hiccupping that wont go away
• Unexplained weight loss.

#oesophagealcancer #catchitearly