Dangers of persistent heartburn

A major awareness campaign has been launched across Lincolnshire to warn residents that persistent heartburn could be a sign of something far more serious than just indigestion.

Heartburn Cancer UK, in partnership with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, is highlighting the link between persistent heartburn and oesophageal (food-pipe) cancer – one of the UK’s deadliest cancers, often diagnosed too late due to missed early warning signs.

Because the symptoms of oesophageal cancer are often mistaken for indigestion many people use over-the-counter remedies rather than seek medical advice, which means it often remains undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment difficult.

The campaign aims to highlight that persistent heartburn could be a warning sign of a killer cancer that hides in plain sight.

Dr Sunil Hindocha, Medical Director for NHS Lincolnshire ICB said: “Anyone who does have persistent heartburn should contact their GP Practice to have it checked out.  In many cases it will be nothing to worry about but the earlier we can diagnose any form of cancer the better the outcome is for patients.

“If you’ve been regularly buying off-the-shelf remedies, or your symptoms have lasted for more than three weeks, it’s time to talk to your GP. It might just save your life.”

• Cancer of the oesophagus is deadly, especially for men.
• It’s the seventh biggest cancer killer in the UK – the fourth largest for men. Despite being only the 14th most common cancer around 8,000 people die from it each year.

Warning signs include:

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss 

Fiona Labrooy, Chief Operating Officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, said: “For many people, heartburn is just an occasional inconvenience, but for some, it can be a red flag for something far more serious. This campaign is about encouraging people to think twice about ongoing symptoms.

“We don’t want everyone who gets heartburn after a one-off boozy night out or a meal too late at night to contact their GP. But if it’s persistent, we don’t want people to swallow their discomfort.

“By catching things early, people can carry on with their lives.”

See Nick’s story in the video above.