February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month. Oesophageal Cancer is the 9th most common cancer worldwide, and Guts UK is proud to be raising awareness, funding research and providing expert information on oesophageal cancer.
Guts UK is a founding member of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, which represents 6 of the least survivable cancers (liver, pancreatic, stomach, brain, lung and oesophageal). The taskforce aims to increase the survivability of these cancers to 28% by 2029.
NHS data last year shows that the proportion of oesophageal cancer cases diagnosed in an emergency setting like A&E was far higher than for more survivable cancers. Over 20% of oesophageal cancer cases were diagnosed at emergency, while just 2.7% of breast and 7.8% of prostate cancer cases were.
The early symptoms of oesophageal cancer can be vague, but making people aware of these symptoms is crucial to achieve earlier diagnosis, giving people a fighting chance.
What are the early symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
If you experience any of the below symptoms, you should see your GP to discuss further:
- If you’ve experienced heartburn for 3 weeks or longer.
- If your heartburn persists even after avoiding trigger foods and changing your lifestyle.
- If food gets stuck when you swallow.
- If you experience persistent indigestion.