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Heartburn Warning: Could it be Cancer?
3 Feb
Summary
- Oesophageal cancer stage 4 diagnoses increased to 37% by 2022.
- Survival rates drop significantly from stage 1 to stage 4.
- Persistent heartburn is a key symptom to watch for.
Oesophageal cancer, referred to as the 'forgotten cancer', is increasingly diagnosed at late stages in the UK. Action Against Heartburn reports that the percentage of oesophageal cancers identified at stage 4 in England rose from 25% in 2013 to 37% in 2022. This advanced stage, where cancer has spread, is often incurable and significantly impacts life expectancy.
Survival rates for oesophageal cancer are starkly lower when diagnosed late. While one-year survival is 89% at stage 1, it plummets to 26% at stage 4. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight are linked to this cancer, which affects the food pipe connecting the mouth to the stomach.
Key symptoms, though sometimes vague, include persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and chronic indigestion. Medical professionals urge individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult their GP. Early treatment options offer better outcomes, but these become more challenging once the disease has metasten.
