The recently launched ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign highlighting the fact that ongoing heartburn may be a sign of cancer, is urging people to visit their doctor if they have heartburn most days for three weeks or more, as this can be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer.
Not many people are aware of oesophageal cancer which refers to cancer of the oesophagus (more commonly known as the gullet or food pipe) which is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
Carmen Thompson shares her story of surviving stomach cancer:
The diagnosis came as a shock to her. “I was in total disbelief when I was told I had cancer. I insisted that they must have got it wrong, I was convinced it was an ulcer not cancer.”
Carmen Thompson
A second test confirmed that she had cancer. It was then Carmen began to come to terms with the diagnosis. Thankfully, her brother and son were there to support and encourage her through this difficult period.
As Carmen reflects on this period of her life, she is grateful to her colleague who encouraged her to go and see her doctor when she felt discomfort and pain in her stomach for a few weeks. “I’m not a person who likes to go to the doctor but I now know that going to my doctor’s early saved my life.”
She commends the medical teams that worked with her, “The care I received during my treatment was absolutely fantastic! They thoroughly explained everything to me from the diagnosis to the treatment. I felt very well informed and less apprehensive about the surgery.”
Everything went very smoothly and Carmen who was diagnosed in early 2013 was given the all clear by December 2013. “The good news came at a great time, I had a fantastic Christmas!” Two years on Carmen is enjoying a normal life. She has gone back to work and takes regular holidays.
Her advice to others: “If you have any symptoms such as ongoing stomach pain, heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more or food sticking in your throat when you swallow, you should go and see your doctor, it’s so important. I’m living proof that you can survive cancer if detected and treated early.”
Oesophageal Cancer
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, explains the importance of this campaign: "People may be reluctant to visit their doctor about persistent heartburn, thinking that it’s something they just have to live with but it could be a sign of cancer.”
“We know that in African and Caribbean communities there are cultural and religious reasons that can prevent these communities from seeing their doctor early. That’s why it’s important to drive home that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. We need to encourage people across all sections in society with symptoms to go to their doctor, which is what this latest Be Clear on Cancer campaign aims to do.”
Further information about the signs and symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancers, are available at: nhs.uk/ogcancer.
Oesophageal and stomach cancer symptoms
Heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer. Other symptoms of oesophageal or stomach cancer may include:
- food feels like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow
- indigestion on and off for three weeks or more
- losing weight for no obvious reason
- trapped wind and frequent burping
- feeling full very quickly when eating
- feeling bloated after eating
- nausea or vomiting
- pain or discomfort in your upper tummy area