Upper Gastro Intestinal Cancer Team raise awareness

Derriford Hospital’s Upper Gastro Intestinal Cancer team have joined the National Public Health England campaign, to raise awareness of oesophago-gastric cancers.

The campaign will run from 26th January to the end of February and is aimed at men and women aged 50 years and over, focusing on key symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancers.

Marilyn Bolter, UGI specialist nurse said: “We have had a very rewarding and ‘fruitful’ week, raising awareness of the early warning signs of oesophago-gastric cancers.

“We are hugely grateful to the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund and Plymouth Co-Operative for providing fresh baskets of fruit every day throughout the campaign. It allowed us to promote healthy eating by handing out portions of fruit whilst at the same time pressing home the key message that if you or anyone in your family has reflux for more than 3 weeks or difficulty swallowing, you should seek advice from your GP.”

Public Health England's ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign is focusing on how to spot the signs of oesophageal or stomach cancer, as the earlier the cancers are diagnosed, the more likely the treatment is to be successful. Sean Duffy, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said early diagnosis of cancer was critical to improving survival.

Symptoms of oesophageal (food pipe) or stomach cancer include:
• Indigestion on and off for three weeks or more
• Feeling food sticking in your throat when you swallow
• Losing weight for no obvious reason
• Trapped wind and frequent burping
• Feeling full very quickly when eating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or discomfort in top of stomach

The key messages are:

‘Having heartburn, most days for three weeks or more, could be a sign of cancer - tell your doctor’.

‘Food sticking when you swallow could be a sign of cancer – tell your doctor’.

Currently the UK has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer in men and women in the EU, which may be due to smoking, rising obesity levels, a lack of fruit and vegetables in our diet and regular alcohol consumption.

If you have any of the symptoms shown above, please go and tell your doctor.