Early Diagnosis Makes All The Difference

More so than with many other cancers, the early signs of Oesophageal Cancer are easy to overlook.

You could be tempted to dismiss seemingly innocent digestive complaints, such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn and hiccups. But don’t!

Early detection is vital, so visit your doctor the moment you notice any of these symptoms persisting:

• Difficulty Swallowing — feeling that your food is sticking or catching after swallowing
• Acid Indigestion or Heartburn that doesn’t go away
• Food coming back up — either before reaching the stomach (Regurgitation) or after (Vomiting)
• Unexplained anaemia
• Hoarseness that persists — and isn’t due to a cold
• Coughing, Burping, Belching or Hiccups that don’t subside
• Progressive and unplanned Weight Loss

Other conditions can also account for these issues, but visiting your GP promptly is the best way to find out as early as possible.

And if you subsequently notice no improvement, follow up with your doctor too, as you may need to be referred to a Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Specialist.