Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation - PROBE

The Patient Support Network of Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation

Welcome to the PROBE Website

PROBE is the patient support network of the Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation. The Foundation is a registered charity and PROBE was set up to further its objectives, with 3 key aims:

  1. to provide a network of support and information to Barrett's patients
  2. to raise funds for research
  3. to raise awareness of the condition and its implications

The idea was launched in November 2004, followed by some preparatory work by a small group, which led to its inaugural meeting in January 2006.

Since that time, a committee has been formed, financial systems are in place, a website has been launched and three regional groups have been formed. Our first AGM took place on March 17 - please read the report, which will bring you up-to-date. See ‘Latest News’

The Network

The network of support is already in place via the web and the patients' forum and will develop on the ground as branches are set up. Some fundraising activities are already in place and more will develop. If you have any ideas on fundraising, please raise them with your local group or notify PROBE via this website. As for awareness, the website and the activities of the branches will help to do this, but we are always looking for ideas to put Barretts firmly on the national stage. Expect action on this front in 2007 and beyond!

The Message

Overall, the message is simple: Adenocarcinoma, one form of cancer of the oesophagus (gullet), is one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the developed world, with over 7,000 deaths (many more than road deaths) in the UK. It is a major health issue and yet its profile is very low. The aim of PROBE is to make all audiences - the public, politicians, decision makers - completely aware of the seriousness of the situation, so that massively more funding can be ploughed into research.

We need many more people to get involved with PROBE to carry out its aims. This website will tell you how to get involved.

Download the latest version of our e-mail Newsletter.

The Barrett's Oesophagus Foundation - Charity No. 1077633

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