Modified diagram for use of endoscopy in the setting of GERD, based on published AGA and ACG guidelines.
GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Important questions in considering whether GERD patients should be screened for Barrett’s esophagus to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma. Questions labeled with asterisks are either poorly described or currently debated in the medical literature. Based on the US Preventive Health Service Task Force generic framework for screening topics.⁴²
1: Is there direct evidence that screening for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) leads to reduced risk of morbidity or mortality from esophageal cancer?*
2: Is there direct evidence that screening for dysplasia in patients with BE leads to reduced risk of morbidity or mortality from esophageal cancer?*
3: Is there direct evidence that treatment of dysplasia leads to reduced risk of morbidity or mortality from esophageal cancer?
4: What is the prevalence of GERD? What is the prevalence of esophageal cancer in persons with GERD? Can a high risk group be identified?
5: What is the prevalence of BE? What is the prevalence of esophageal cancer in persons with BE? Can a high risk group be identified?
6: What is the prevalence of esophageal cancer? Does all esophageal cancer act the same way? Are there indolent forms of the disease?*
7: Can screening tests accurately identify BE?
8: Can screening tests accurately identify dysplasia?*
9: How effective are treatments for dysplasia? Does treatment of dysplasia reduce the risk of esophageal cancer?
10: How effective is treatment of esophageal cancer? Does treatment improve outcomes for people diagnosed by screening vs. those diagnosed clinically?*
11: What are the adverse effects of screening for BE in people with GERD?*
12: What are the adverse effects of screening for dysplasia in people with BE?*
13: What are the adverse effects of treatment of dysplasia?
14: What are the adverse effects of treatment of esophageal cancer?

Weighing the potential benefits and harms of screening for Barrett’s esophagus amongst patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease