The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published their latest guidance on the monitoring, treatment and follow-up for people aged 18 and over with Barrett’s oesophagus and stage 1 oesophageal adenocarcinoma. It includes advice on endoscopic and non-endoscopic techniques. It aims to improve outcomes by ensuring the most effective investigations and treatments are used.

Heartburn Cancer UK Founder and Chairman, Mimi McCord, has been involved in the creation of these much awaited guidelines. They are created using the best available evidence and the recommendations are developed with the help of experts, people using services, carers and members of the public.  The topics are chosen following referral from NHS England, Department of Health and Social Care, and also Department for Education. 

These guidelines are aimed at providing advice for both Healthcare Professionals and adults (and their families and carers) with Barrett's and include recommendations on the following:

• information and support
• pharmacological interventions
• endoscopic surveillance
• staging for suspected stage 1 oesophageal adenocarcinoma
• managing Barrett’s oesophagus with dysplasia
• managing stage 1 oesophageal adenocarcinoma
• non-surgical treatment for T1b oesophageal adenocarcinoma
• anti-reflux surgery

There is also some excellent information for the public to read and perhaps to share if you know someone who is living with a Barrett's.

If you would like to get involved with NICE and help to develop future guidelines, there is more information here to see what it entails.

Please note: This guideline updates and replaces the NICE guideline on Barrett’s oesophagus: ablative therapy (CG106).