Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of Barrett's esophagus include:

• Family history. Your odds of having Barrett's esophagus increase if you have a family history of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer.
• Being male. Men are far more likely to develop Barrett's esophagus.
• Being white. White people have a greater risk of the disease than do people of other races.
• Age. Barrett's esophagus can occur at any age but is more common in adults over 50.
• Chronic heartburn and acid reflux. Having GERD that doesn't get better when taking medications known as proton pump inhibitors or having GERD that requires regular medication can increase the risk of Barrett's esophagus.
• Current or past smoking.
• Being overweight. Body fat around your abdomen further increases your risk.