Barrett's heretitary?

My maternal grandfather died of esophagial cancer at 62. My mother was diagnosed with esophagil cancer at 62, but surived 12 years after treatment. My sister has been given 6 month to live due to advanced EC due to 'Barrett's' at age 55. My question, and thank you in advance for your help, can Barrett's be concidered heretitary? Pleas respond with any info you think might be helpful. I, and my 3 other sibs are a little scared. Thanks, DJS

[ayri]

hi, theres no concrete evidence of hereditary tendency to this disease, but for piece of mind you and your sibs should undergo an upper endoscopy every two years.

[gnorb]

While there isn't any concrete evidence that EC is hereditary, there is some speculation that a predisposition to Barret's might have a hereditary component. (It is also believed by some that while not everyone who gets Barrett's gets EC, everyone who gets EC had Barrett's.) As Ayri said, for peace of mind, having an EGD every two or three years is a prudent move. Also, following a GERD diet would be a very good idea. Finally, you might want to start adding black raspberry as a part of your diet. Some preliminary studies show this fruit helps prevent the progression of Barrett's.

Good luck.

[grannyem]

On my last exam the dr. said it looked like Barrettes but I don't have the symptons I do have GERD and a hyatial hernia.  I am concerned with EC as others are.  I am having a hard time with what foods to eat without gaining weight.  I have been trying a soft diet, any other suggestions I would appreciate.
Thank you
Grannyem