Risk factors of Barrett's esophagus

Barret's esophagus, and accompanying esophageal adenocarcinoma have been increasing over the last 3-4 decades in Western countries. Although the prevalence of the esophageal adenocarcinoma has not obviously increased in Japan, GERD, a precursor condition of the can- cer, has recently increased in that country. Recognized risk factors for Barrett's esophagus are male gender, higher age, GERD, obesity, and protective factor for the disease is H. pyloi infection. Identification of risk factors for Barrett's esophagus should be useful to estimate the future trend of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Japan.