February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month. OCHRE is joining charities across the UK to help people understand the symptoms of a disease that still claims too many lives too soon.
Oesophageal cancer is the seventh most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but many people have never heard of it, or don’t realise that something as common as persistent heartburn could be a warning sign.
The most common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, heartburn or indigestion that won’t go away, unexplained weight loss, pain in your stomach, chest or back, feeling or being sick, a persistent cough or hoarseness, and tiredness or shortness of breath.
Most people with these symptoms won’t have cancer. There are lots of other, much more common causes. But if something has been going on for three weeks or more, or just doesn’t feel right, it’s worth getting it checked.
Don’t put it off. Speak to your GP. Early detection really does save lives.
For more information, visit Action Against Heartburn.
Follow the Campaign
You can follow the progress of the SILENCE campaign and see it unfold in real time on our OCHRE’s Facebook page.
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms that won’t go away – please don’t stay silent. Speak to your GP.
