Dr. Rex added that “some have argued that an early screening recommendation for African Americans would have the added benefit of educating both patients and primary care physicians that there is higher risk in this group, but there are also lower rates of screening adherence, so special efforts are needed to ensure that screening in African Americans takes place.”
The ASGE guidelines also suggest a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for gastric cancer in new immigrants from high-risk regions, such as Korea, Japan, China, Russia, and South America, in particular if there is a family history in a first-degree relative.
However, screening EGD for adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus should be based on clinical considerations and not on ethnicity, according to the guidelines.
Disclosures: Dr. Friedenberg had no relevant financial disclosures.
Alicia Ault contributed to this report.