Recent findings from the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute (TSJCI) point to what could be a turning point for oesophageal cancer care in Ireland. A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates that a national, quality-assured registry and screening programme for patients with Barrett’s oesophagus can dramatically improve early detection and reduce cancer-specific mortality.

Published in Annals of Surgery, the study shows that structured surveillance — supported by expert endoscopy, pathology and eradication therapy — identified high-risk patients before cancer developed. Among those treated, cancer-specific survival reached 100%, and only around 1% required cancer surgery after endoscopic therapy.

This breakthrough was made possible through nationwide collaboration across clinical sites, patient-partners, and the public — including supporters of OCF’s annual Lollipop Day.

The findings were presented at major international conferences, marking Ireland as a leader in prevention-focused cancer care.