Project Lay Summary

The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the incidence, molecular epidemiology, and survival of patients living with oesophageal cancer by age groups, along with qualitative research exploring patient experiences. There will be a particular emphasis on early-onset patients diagnosed aged <50 years. Research will also be undertaken into age inequalities in Barrett’s oesophagus epidemiology.
We will use a number of epidemiological, clinical and molecular data resources to achieve the following objectives:
1) Undertake secondary data analyses using population-based cancer registry data, from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, to investigate age inequalities in: A) the incidence of oesophageal cancer (including by histological subtypes) over time. B) variations in treatment received by oesophageal cancer patients (including by histological subtypes). C) survival outcomes for oesophageal cancer patients (including by histological subtypes)
2) Undertake a systematic review, and secondary data analysis on a relevant aspect of the molecular epidemiology of early-onset oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
3) Using qualitative methodology, we will evaluate the experience of an oesophageal cancer diagnosis and treatments received in patients aged under 50 years, in order to understand the impact and any unique challenges faced by this younger patient group.