Diagnosed With Barrett’s Esophagus? Here's What You Need to Know

A Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis can leave you wondering what comes next. Understanding your follow-up care, surveillance plan, and individual risk can help you take a more active role in your health. In this final episode of our 4-part U.S.-focused Barrett’s esophagus patient education series, Advanced Practice Provider Tedra Gray shares practical guidance to help patients better understand ongoing care, surveillance, risk management, and how to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. Key takeaways from this episode: • Why follow-up care and surveillance are important • Why monitoring Barrett’s esophagus matters over time • How shared decision-making can help shape your care plan • How management may differ based on a patient’s individual risk • What questions to ask and how to take an active role in your care 00:00 Introduction 01:47 What Should Patients Do Next? 02:45 How Barrett’s Esophagus Is Diagnosed 04:00 Responding to a Barrett’s Diagnosis 06:05 Shared Decision-Making & Your Care Plan 09:00 Low-Risk Patient Example 11:05 High-Risk Patient Example 13:05 Staying on Track With GERD Medications 15:50 What Happens If Barrett’s Is Undiagnosed? 17:05 Overcoming Fear & Advocating for Your Health 20:15 Trusted Resources 20:45 Final Advice for Patients Watch next: GERD to Barrett’s Esophagus: A Patient Story That Could Change Your Care    • GERD to Barrett’s Esophagus: A Patient Sto...   Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with Barrett’s esophagus for years, this episode provides practical next steps and evidence-based information to help you better understand your diagnosis and move forward with confidence. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Missed the earlier episodes? Watch here: Part 1: From Reflux to Risk – How Heartburn & GERD Could Lead to Esophageal Cancer    • Barrett’s Esophagus in the U.S. | How GERD...   Part 2: Barrett’s Esophagus – The Hidden Risk of Chronic Heartburn    • Barrett’s Esophagus Explained | Diagnosis,...   Part 3: Managing Barrett’s Esophagus – Treatments & Risk Reduction    • Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Options | Ho...   This series is sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with U.S. clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving patient education and outcomes. Have a question or a digestive health-related topic you'd like us to address on an upcoming episode? Are you a patient who wants to share their story? Please email us podcast@gastrogirl.com   Looking for expert-backed digestive health support? The Ask Gastro Girl App is your trusted AI-powered companion, offering quick answers, symptom tracking, personalized nutrition plans, and more. Download now to take charge of your gut health: https://gastrogirl.com/ask-gg-app/ Disclaimer: The sole purpose of the Gastro Girl podcast is to provide educational and informational content. Gastro Girl, Inc., American College of Gastroenterology, The Gastro Girl Podcast, host, Jacqueline Gaulin, and any and all guests appearing on any Gastro Girl podcast episode [Collectively the Service Provider] do not provide any medical advice and the Information will not be so construed or used as medical advice. Using, accessing and/or listening to the Gastro Girl Podcast and/or providing personal or medical information to the Service Provider does not create a clinician-patient relationship between the Service Provider and you or your patients. Nothing contained in this or any Gastro Girl Podcast episode is intended to create a clinician-patient relationship, and you will not rely on anything contained in any podcast episode in diagnosing or treating yourself or anyone else. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PODCAST EPISODES IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NO WAY INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, CURE OR TREAT ANY MEDICAL OR OTHER CONDITION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. If YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A HEALTH Emergency Please CALL 911