Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2021

2nd February 2021

  • Only 15 of 100 people diagnosed will survive oesophageal cancer for 5 years or more.
  • 59% of oesophageal cancer cases are preventable.
Malcolm with his granddaughter

Unfortunately, families like Gemma’s know how devastating oesophageal cancer can be. Gemma lost her dad Malcolm to oesophageal cancer in 2018.

February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month so the Guts UK team will be busy raising awareness of risk factors and symptoms of oesophageal cancer, and spreading the word about the research we fund into oesophageal cancer.

Oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in the UK. The oesophagus is the food pipe that leads from the throat to the stomach, where the body generates strong acid as a natural part of a healthy digestive system.

Heartburn is a common problem that occurs after eating, lying down or bending over and is usually described as a ‘burning’ sensation. If it lasts more than three weeks or persists when avoiding trigger foods/making lifestyle changes or food gets stuck when you swallow, you should see your GP to discuss further.

Around 10% of persistent heartburn sufferers who have longstanding reflux problems may develop a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus where the cells in the oesophagus start to change colour, which can lead to dysplasia (a precursor to cancer). This can be treated to prevent cancer occurring. In fact, 59% of oesophageal cancer cases are preventable.

Guts UK is proud to fund research into Barrett’s oesophagus & Oesophageal cancer. We are funding Dr Sara Jamel who will examine whether gases from cell changes (dysplasia) in Barrett’s Oesophagus can be detected by a breath test.

Only 15 out of 100 people diagnosed with oesophageal cancer will live for longer than 5 years, yet 59% of oesophageal cancer cases are preventable. Guts UK’s research has the capacity to change these facts and diagnose people while they still have a fighting chance. Guts UK’s research saves lives.

Please give £3 to Guts UK per month. Join us, as we get to grips with guts.

Discover more:

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • youtube
  • tiktok
  • instagram

Read more posts...

Shortage of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)

At Guts UK, some members of our community rely on prescription pancreatic enzymes (Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy, PERT) to help them properly digest the food they eat. When your pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to...

28th November 2023

How your donation helps the UK get to grips with guts!

Guts UK has three charitable objectives: Provide expert information to patients Raise awareness of digestive health Fund research into the digestive system from top to tail; the gut, liver and pancreas How every £1 you...

1st November 2023

The World’s First Diverticular Disease Awareness Week!

This week (2nd-8th October) is the World’s First Diverticular Disease Awareness Week! Have you heard of it? Diverticular disease affects 1 in 3, increasing to 1 in 2 people during their lifetime. Diverticula are permanent...

2nd October 2023