Event aims to raise awareness that heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer
A Be Clear on Cancer roadshow is set to visit County Durham this week to raise awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancers. In particular, the roadshow aims to increase understanding that heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer and anyone who notices the symptoms should see their doctor.
The most recent data reveals that in County Durham around 170 people are diagnosed with oesophageal or stomach cancer (also known as oesophago-gastric cancers) each year, and approximately 130 people die from these diseases annually.
A new survey commissioned by Public Health England has found that nationally only 1 in 2 people (55%) would visit their doctor if they had heartburn most days for three weeks or more.
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 roadshow 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.
Early diagnosis is crucial: 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.
The Be Clear on Cancer roadshow will be visiting shopping centres across England for four weeks from 28 January and will be stopping in County Durham at the following locations:
- Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th February at St Cuthbert’s Walk Shopping Centre in Chester-Le-Street, DH3 3YQ
- Friday 6th and Saturday 7th February at Thames Shopping Centre in Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5QH
- Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th at Castle Dene Shopping Centre in Peterlee, SR8 1AL
At the event, leaflets will be distributed that provide information on oesophago-gastric cancers and a nurse will also be on hand to talk to anyone who has any questions.
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 Be Clear on Cancer roadshow is a great way for individuals from the local area to find out more about the signs and symptoms of oesophago-gastric cancers. The earlier these cancers are diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancers, please visit nhs.uk/ogcancer
