While some cancer symptoms are widely known, such as a breast lump or an expanding mole, many subtle signs often go unnoticed, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis.
It’s crucial to be aware of less common symptoms of cancer that can easily be dismissed or attributed to everyday issues. Monthly awareness campaigns like Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month help highlight the importance of recognizing these symptoms early.
A croaky voice, back pain, and excessive burping can all be symptoms of oesophageal cancer, a disease that claims 167,000 lives in the UK annually.
While common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, skin, and kidney cancers are well-known, lesser-known cancers can be equally deadly.
Survival rates for breast cancer exceed 76 per cent at ten years post-diagnosis, and melanoma skin cancer stands at 87 per cent. However, oesophageal cancer has a much lower ten-year survival rate of just 12 per cent.
Recognizing symptoms early is vital for improving outcomes, as oesophageal cancer can be difficult to detect.
“It’s a cancer that hides in plain sight,” notes Fiona Labrooy, chief operating officer at Heartburn Cancer UK.
Here, we explore seven common signs to watch for, particularly during meal times:
1. Persistent Heartburn or Acid Reflux
A burning sensation in the chest after spicy foods or alcohol is common.
However, persistent heartburn, a condition where stomach acid travels up towards the throat and causes discomfort, could be a sign of oesophageal cancer.
“Persistent heartburn is not normal, and continuing to just drop antacids into your shopping basket week after week could be putting people’s lives in danger,” warns Labrooy.
“If your symptoms last more than three weeks, it’s time to stop self-medicating and see a GP. It might just save your life.”
2. Problems Swallowing
Pain or a burning sensation when swallowing, or food getting stuck in the throat or chest, are common symptoms of oesophageal cancer.
Other signs include regurgitating food, where food comes back up soon after swallowing.
3. Excessive Burping
Burping can be caused by a variety of factors, including fizzy drinks and eating quickly.
Regular gassiness, burping, or unexplained weight loss, along with these symptoms, could indicate oesophageal cancer, according to the NHS.
4. Feeling or Being Sick
Between 40 and 70 per cent of cancer patients experience nausea or vomiting.
If nausea or vomiting occur frequently, especially after meals, consulting a GP is advised.
5. Persistent Cough
A cough that won’t go away or occurs when eating can be a symptom of oesophageal cancer.
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, a consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
6. Loss of Appetite
Appetite fluctuations can result from factors such as stress, medication, mental health, and menstrual cycles.
However, if a loss of appetite persists for an extended period and weight loss occurs without intention, it’s important to seek medical advice.
7. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss, particularly if it doesn’t correlate with changes in diet or physical activity, can be a red flag.
It can also be associated with difficulty in swallowing or pain when eating, which may make food intake difficult.
Oesophageal Cancer in Numbers
- Around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK every year, equivalent to 26 cases daily.
- Approximately 8,000 people die from oesophageal cancer annually, or 22 lives lost daily.
- It is the 14th most common type of cancer in the UK, accounting for two per cent of all new cancer cases.
- Incidence rates are highest among individuals aged 85 to 89.
- More than one in 10 (12.4 per cent) of people with oesophageal cancer survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis.
- Projections suggest there could be around 11,700 new cases of oesophageal cancer every year in the UK by 2038 to 2040.
Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial in improving outcomes for patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
Consulting a GP if any of these symptoms persist can lead to prompt and effective treatment, potentially saving lives.
Read more on Archynetys
Stay informed and take proactive steps to ensure your health and well-being. Share this information with your loved ones to raise awareness about oesophageal cancer.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare provider. Early detection can make a significant difference. Comments, shares, and subscriptions to our updates can help spread this critical information further.
