Expert Advisory Groups

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers include Oesophagogastric (OG) cancers of the oesophagus and stomach.

Oesophageal cancer is the 13^th most common cancer in the UK. In 2019, 9,296 cases of oesophageal cancer were diagnosed in the UK.  [World Cancer Research Fund].  

Stomach cancer is not very common in the UK. In 2019, 6,830 cases of stomach cancer diagnosed. [World Cancer Research Fund].

The risks and causes of oesophagogastric cancers include your age, family history, lifestyle factors including smoking and drinking alcohol, and other medical conditions such as gastric reflux and infection with human papilloma virus (HPV).

The overall aim of the Upper GI Expert Advisory Group (EAG) is to provide specialist advice and guidance to the West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA) Board on the standards of service for patients with Oesophagogastric cancer reflecting current best practice and opportunities for development.  NHS Trust performance on the Faster Diagnosis Standard of 28 days and 62 day treatment standard are discussed and best practice shared, with an aim to improving performance against these targets.

The Upper GI EAG aims to ensure that patients with Oesophagogastric cancer receive high quality equitable cancer care throughout the West Midlands regardless of geography or socio-economic factors and will, wherever possible, endeavour to improve the standard of care provided.

The EAG supports research & innovation for patients in the West Midlands area including Cytosponge to ensure patients receive the most appropriate investigation at the right time.

Chair: Dr Adil Butt, Consultant Gastroenterologist, University Hospital Birmingham

Deputy Chair: Mr George Bouras, Consultant Oesophagogastric Cancer Surgeon, University Hospital North Midlands

Documents:

Guidelines:

Useful links:

What is oesophageal cancer? - NHS

Oesophago-gastric cancer: assessment and management in adults | Guidance | NICE

NICE quality standards | Goals and outcome measures | Gastrointestinal tract (upper) cancers - recognition and referral | CKS | NICE

Oesophageal cancer | Cancer Research UK

Oesophageal cancer - symptoms, treatment, staging, diagnosis | Macmillan Cancer Support

Oesophageal cancer | Cancer types | World Cancer Research Fund UK

Gastro oesophageal junction cancer | Cancer Research UK

Stomach cancer | Cancer Research UK

Oesophageal Cancer | Guts UK Charity