Britons are being cautioned that persistent heartburn may indicate the presence of cancer due to a growing number of individuals being diagnosed too late.
Known as the “forgotten cancer,” esophageal cancer is a concern highlighted by Action Against Heartburn, attributing the rise in delayed diagnoses to a lack of awareness regarding symptoms affecting digestion.
Recent analysis by the charity revealed a rise in the percentage of esophageal cancer cases diagnosed at stage 4 in England, escalating from 25% in 2013 to 37% in 2022. Stage 4 cancer signifies an advanced phase where the disease has spread from its original location and is often untreatable.
Affecting the food pipe linking the mouth to the stomach, esophageal cancer is associated with habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary choices. Annually, the UK witnesses approximately 9,200 new cases, with less than 20% of those diagnosed surviving beyond five years.
Action Against Heartburn’s Chair, Jill Clark, emphasized the critical nature of early detection, stating that late-stage diagnoses contribute significantly to the high fatality rates associated with this cancer.
Factors contributing to the surge in late-stage diagnoses include pressures on the NHS, delays in referrals, unhealthy lifestyles, an aging population, and inadequate symptom recognition, as outlined by Clark.
Early diagnosis significantly impacts survival rates, with one-year survival standing at 89% if esophageal cancer is detected at stage 1, but plummeting to 26% if diagnosed at stage 4.
The NHS underscores the challenge of spotting esophageal cancer symptoms early, listing common indicators such as difficulty swallowing, persistent heartburn, unexplained weight loss, and chronic indigestion.
According to Professor Sheraz Markar, a consultant oesophago-gastric surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, the complexity of treating esophageal cancer increases as it progresses, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention upon experiencing potential symptoms.
He advises individuals to seek medical guidance if they encounter persistent heartburn, swallowing difficulties, unexplained weight loss, nausea, or chronic indigestion.
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