February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month  

Posted by: Hardy Fox - Posted on:

Not all Heartburn is Harmless  

 Cancer of the oesophagus is deadly, especially for men

  • It’s the 7th biggest cancer killer in the UK – the 4th biggest for men – despite being only the 14th most common. Around 8,000 people die from it each year.  
  • It’s important to get untreated heartburn under control – even in younger people – as a cancer prevention measure. The acid causing the symptoms also causes the cell damage that can later lead to cancer.  
  • If someone finds out they have the potentially precancerous condition, Barrett’s oesophagus, it can worry them, but it can also be seen as a gift. Most people with Barrett’s DO NOT go on to develop oesophageal cancer. But it is the earliest of early warnings.  It’s a risk factor that can be monitored and managed through ongoing tests, medication and lifestyle changes.  
  • Self-medicating with over-the-counter or off-the-shelf products, such as Gaviscon or Rennie, should always be seen as only a short term solution. At pharmacies, people buying the treatments should be told, if their symptoms continue for three weeks or more, they should speak to their GP practice and get it checked.  

Please speak to your GP if you experience:

  • Persistent heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion for three weeks or more
  • Difficulty or pain when swallowing
  • A persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth or hiccups
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Long-term use of over-the-counter indigestion remedies without review may mask more serious underlying conditions.
  • Early assessment can provide reassurance – or enable earlier diagnosis, which can significantly improve outcomes.

We know that facing a diagnosis of Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to go through it alone.

We facilitate a number of support groups, both online and in-person. They offer a space to connect with others who understand what individuals are going through, share experiences, and find support.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or adjusting to life after surgery, there’s a group for you.