The American College of Physicians issued new guidelines suggesting that most patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease don't need routine upper endoscopies to screen for esophageal cancer. According to the group, esophageal cancer screening should only be considered when patients simultaneously experience GERD and other symptoms such as vomiting and difficulty swallowing, and when patients continue to experience heartburn while taking drugs. Men older than 50 who have had GERD for longer than five years and have other risk factors should be screened, according to the guidelines.