title: Risk Factors for Barrett's Oesophagus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a premalignant condition associated with the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Globally, the incidence of OAC is rising. Furthermore, the prognosis regarding the morbidity and mortality of OAC is bleak, with an estimated 5-year survival of 10-15%. Hence, detection of the premalignant phase is paramount. Endoscopy and biopsy sampling is the mainstay of diagnosis. Patients may present with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or be completely asymptomatic. Therefore, symptomatology alone is a poor indicator of this condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review highlights the current risk factors associated with the development of BO.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Primary risk factors for BO include male gender, increased age, a family history of the disease, long-standing GORD, smoking, obesity (specifically determined by the waist-to-hip ratio as opposed to BMI), and Caucasian race. Alcohol consumption andHelicobacter pyloriare not associated with the condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By ensuring an appropriate understanding of the risk factors, clinicians can discern at-risk patients for endoscopic diagnosis and surveillance.
authors.affiliation: Asia Pacific Barrett's Consortium, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Neel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Asia Pacific Barrett's Consortium, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Khek Yu
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Ho
keywords: Barrett's oesophagus; Oesophageal adenocarcinoma; Risk factors