Oesophageal Cancer Awareness

Cancer of the Oesophagus is a type of cancer that most people will not be aware of until it affects someone close to you. In general people are more aware of the more common types of cancer which include Breast Cancer, Testicular Cancer and Bowel Cancer. Today media campaigns are focusing on raising awareness of these more common and well known types of cancer but Oesophageal Cancer is a very uncommon type of cancer which people will not be aware of or have any knowledge of. There is not enough information out there to educate and raise awareness of this cancer type. What is Oesophageal Cancer? The oesophagus is the medical name for the gullet. When we eat, food goes down the oesophagus into the stomach. Oesophageal cancer is uncommon in the UK. However, over a period of 20 years or so the number of cases diagnosed each year has risen. Around 8,200 people develop oesophageal cancer each year in the UK What are the symptons of Oesophageal Cancer? Difficulty with swallowing This is often the first symptom and is caused by a tumour narrowing the passage in the oesophagus. Food may appear to stick as you try to swallow. If it gets worse then drinks may also be difficult to swallow. Vomiting after eating This is really regurgitating food which has become stuck. Pain in the chest or in the back of the chest when you swallow. Weight loss. Vomiting blood. Coughing. Particularly when you swallow. A hoarse voice. Acid reflux Symptoms may first develop, or get worse, when you develop a cancer at the lower oesophagus next to the stomach. Symptoms include heartburn (pains in the chest). Note: acid reflux is common and most people with acid reflux do not have cancer. Generally people who suffer from consistent heartburn should be encouraged to visit their GP, of course heartburn is common and is a natural problem in everyones life but the problem is GP's and the person themselves are purchasing basic products to relieve heartburn when the problem could infact be worse than heartburn. ------------------------ THE EARLIER THE CANCER IS LOCATED THE MORE CHANCE OF TAKING IT AWAY THE EARLIER THE CANCER IS LOCATED THE MORE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE. If the cancer is at an advanced stage the higher the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body making the cancer less curable. ----------------------- What made me raise awareness? Recently my Grandfather died