Cytosponge for detecting abnormal cells in the oesophagus

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others.

Barrett's oesophagus is more common in men and people who are over 50. Sex and age are protected characteristics under the Equality Act. If a person has Barrett's oesophagus, they may be more likely to get oesophageal cancer. People with cancer are protected under the Equality Act from the point of diagnosis.