An early diagnosis is one of the best ways to boost survival rates and with nearly 8,000 people dying from oesophageal cancer each year, it's vital to be aware of any warning signs. According to experts, there are a few "early warning" symptoms that indicate heartburn could start becoming cancerous.
Many of these symptoms characterise and reflect the part of the body that cancer originates in, with oesophagal cancer sufferers experiencing issues swallowing saliva in addition to acid reflux, or heartburn.
Persistent heartburn is called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), where the muscle controlling access to the stomach becomes damaged or weakened - causing stomach acid to flow back up your throat.
This damage is thought to be a precursor to cancer of the oesophagus, where damaged cells replicate, becoming a hard tumour and causing further stomach problems.
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According to Cancer Research UK, early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer increases the one-year survival rate by four times, from one in five to four in five. Currently, almost 8,000 people die from this cancer each year.
Persistent heartburn, or GORD, sufferers are advised to monitor their condition to see if their reflux worsens or is followed by additional symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or chest pains.
Doctor James East, Consultant and Endoscopist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, said: “It’s thought that chronic irritation of your oesophagus may contribute to the changes associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
“I’d recommend that those concerned about acid reflux ask their doctor what signs and symptoms to watch out for that could signal that your condition is worsening.
“These may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, pressure or burning, and worsening indigestion or heartburn.
“People who experience acid reflux of GORD consistently and frequently are at higher risk than their compatriots who have irregular acid reflux episodes.”
More than 59 per cent of stomach cancers are preventable by making simple lifestyle improvements that lessen acid reflux, preventing damage to the lower oeophageal sphincter which controls the opening to the stomach.
What causes persistent heartburn (GORD)?
According to the NHS, there are many things which can aggravate or worsen heartburn, including:
- certain food and drink – such as coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy foods
- being overweight
- smoking
- pregnancy
- stress and anxiety
- some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen)
- a hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
However, eliminating some of these risk factors can be the best way to reduce or remove the possibility of long, debilitating bouts of heartburn - with many sufferers experiencing the unpleasant sensation for more than two hours at a time.
The health service also advises that sufferers can elevate their head and chest while sleeping to prevent acid from flowing back up the digestive tract. Losing weight and eating smaller meals can also reduce the frequency of heartburn.
You are advised to see your GP if these lifestyle changes do not improve your condition.
