There is no screening programme for oesophageal cancer, given its relative rarity. If patients have a very strong family history or 'Tylosis', then a screening programme may be individualised for them.
Patients with Barrett's oesophagus have a perhaps 1% chance per year of contracting oesophageal cancer, but this risk rises to as high a 5% per year if there are 'high grade' changes on biopsy of the affected area at the lower end of the oesophagus); screening/surveillance oesophagoscopies are recommended. The intervals between these oesophagoscopies is debated and perhaps once every three years is enough for those with low grade changes on biopsy. However, for those wit high grade (dysplastic) changes on biopsy, either more frequent oesphagoscopies or even recourse to early surgery (or endoscopic mucosal resection) is recommended;
