New research presented at DDW 2026 suggests Barrett’s esophagus may develop much earlier in life than when it is typically diagnosed. Using an epigenetic “molecular clock,” researchers Kit Curtius, PhD, and Samuel Reynolds estimated when Barrett’s tissue first appeared in 174 patients and found that it may develop as early as the 20s or 30s—potentially decades before clinical diagnosis. In a discussion of their findings, the researchers emphasized that this does not mean young adults with GERD should undergo routine screening. Instead, the wide variation in when Barrett’s appears points toward a more personalized approach that considers multiple risk factors rather than relying on a fixed age threshold. The findings could ultimately influence how gastroenterologists think about the timing and personalization of Barrett’s screening and surveillance.
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