Barretts and Oesophageal

As a consequence of unintended weight loss i underwent rapid pathway assessment.

From an endoscopy in late feb i was diagnosed with Barretts and sliding hiatal hernia. I have suffered chronic GERD for 40 years and my late mother died of oesophagal cancer at 62. I have since the barretts diagnosis been concerned. What is the risk of barretts advancing beyond the advanced pre cancerous stage?

In addition after other  investigations diagnosed as high risk prostrate requiring intrusive biopsy. This i have refused as i believe a new non intrusive biopsy method is available. I was discharged as being uncooperative.

Can anyone point me to the availability of this non intrusive method of prostrate biopsy

  • Hello jamcb and welcome to Cancer Chat,

    Only in a small number of cases does Barretts develop into cancer and this can take a long time, but as you're being monitored this may be less likely to happen. We have information on Barrett's oesophagus and test for prostate cancer on our website, which you can refer to at anytime. Biopsies tend to require tissue samples, but MRI scans are possible. We would be unable to point to specific tests and their availability, but I'd suggest you go back to your doctor. You can also contact our team of cancer nurses, if you'd like to speak to someone. You can call them on the freephone 0808 800 4040, lines are open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday.

    I hope this is useful,

    Moderator Anastasia