Heartburn cancer – early action saves lives
Persistent heartburn or acid reflux can be a sign of oesophageal cancer and getting the symptoms checked could save lives according to health chiefs.
As reported on Hello Lincoln yesterday a major local campaign has been launched by the charity, Heartburn Cancer UK, in partnership with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board focused on persistent heartburn and its link to oesophageal cancer.
The campaign aims to encourage people to recognise ongoing heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux – particularly symptoms lasting three weeks or more – as a reason to seek medical advice, rather than something to self-manage or ignore.
“Heartburn is a part of daily life for many people, but few are aware of the risks of long-term heartburn,” said a charity spokesperson.
“Heartburn, also known as acid reflux or indigestion, occurs when the sphincter (muscular valve) at the bottom of the oesophagus (food pipe), does not work properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the oesophagus, causing pain and irritation. It is familiar to almost everyone and is often dismissed as minor and treated with off-the-shelf medicine.
“However, persistent heartburn may signal something more serious, including oesophageal cancer or Barrett’s oesophagus, a potentially pre-cancerous condition. Most people with Barrett’s don’t go on to develop cancer. But people who have it are normally monitored regularly to check that the cell changes don’t develop into cancer.”
The campaign in Lincolnshire will include:
- Expert information will be shared with veterans and personnel at RAF Hive community spaces at four local RAF bases; Coningsby, Cranwell, Digby and Waddington.
- Information will also be shared at two local army bases – the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks at Grantham and the Sobraon Barracks in Lincoln.
- Awareness will also be raised with the Lincolnshire farming community, and will support the established primary care, pharmacy and dentistry drop-in clinics at agricultural venues, dates to be confirmed.