The latest ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign launched earlier this
week 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.
Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health in Knowsley, said
“Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can save lives. Heartburn
most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of cancer as
could food feeling like it’s sticking in your throat when you
swallow. I would urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek
medical help.
“The chances are it's nothing serious but finding it early makes
it more treatable and early diagnosis and treatment of cancer can
save lives.”
The campaign launch coincides with results of a new survey
commissioned by Public Health England, which reveals that
nationally, only one in two people (55%) would visit their doctor
if they experience the above symptom.
Early diagnosis of oesophageal or stomach cancer (also known as
oesophago-gastric cancers) is crucial and means treatment is more
likely to be successful. Nationally, around 67% of people diagnosed
with oesophago-gastric cancers at the earliest stage survive for at
least five years. This figure drops to around 3% for those
diagnosed at a late stage.
According to the survey, 59% of respondents did not know that
heartburn could be a sign of cancer with just 15% saying they were
certain that it is a symptom.
Another symptom highlighted by the campaign is that of
difficulty swallowing food. Here the survey found that 70% did not
know food sticking in the throat could be a sign of cancer and just
13% of those surveyed said they were sure it is a symptom.
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Health and
Wellbeing at Public Health England, explains the importance of this
awareness activity: "People may be reluctant to visit their doctor
about persistent heartburn, thinking that it’s something they just
have to live with. But heartburn most days for three weeks or more
could be a sign of cancer. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the
higher the chance of survival. If we’re to improve early diagnosis
rates, we need to encourage people with symptoms to go to their
doctor, which is what this latest Be Clear on Cancer campaign aims
to do.”
The four-week campaign will see adverts running nationally
throughout England on TV, radio and in the press.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of
oesophageal and stomach cancers, please visit nhs.uk/ogcancer