study, asymptomatic gerd patients at higher cancer risk than chronic sufferers

dont jump to the wrong conclusion based on the title, please read the entire report

those with fewer or lessened symptoms are not being screened as often (as chronic sufered) for barretts and cancer, believing that the elimination of pain by the medications (ppi h2 etc) indicates little risk and less damage

best wishes..mt


"Pitt Study: Esophageal Cancer Risk Higher In Medically Treated GERD Patients With Fewest Symptoms
Main Category: Acid Reflux / GERD
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 19 Jul 2011 - 2:00 PDT

"Medically treated patients with mild or no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at higher risk for developing esophageal cancer than those with severe GERD symptoms, according to a University of Pittsburgh study published in the current issue of Archives of Surgery.

Many patients who develop adenocarcinoma, a common form of esophageal cancer, are unaware that they have Barrett's esophagus..."

read the rest at
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/231321.php

Post Edited (mock turtle) : 7/25/2011 8:20:57 PM (GMT-6)

But again we have to remember that only 0.5% of those with Barretts actually go on to develop adenocarcinoma. And within that 0.5% the research as yet gives no clear understanding of what causes the transformation. It is so poorly understood that they admit they are unable to determine who is "high risk" and who is not, so they do not know who to select for screening. There is no consensus on screening in the UK - we are only likely to undergo repeat scopes if we have signs of worsening symptoms, and that is only with a view to managing GERD, not detecting cancer.

I think the search for signs of cancer is actually detracting from effective management of GERD. I've had 2 gastroscopies, and each time once it was clear there was "nothing nasty", the medics very quickly lost all interest in helping determine the cause of my illness. There is intense pressure to get the scope done, after which they yawn and send you away to suffer the symptoms........ or the drug side effects, or both in my case.

I think we should keep the cancer risks in context - one in six men will get prostate cancer - are you chaps all getting in line for screening for that......??

I'd rather have symptomless GERD and a gastroscopy every 3 years - sadly neither seems available to me.