A CAMPAIGN across Yorkshire and the Humber aims to raise awareness that ongoing heartburn can be a sign of cancer.
Latest data reveals around 1400 people across Yorkshire and The Humber are diagnosed with oesophago-gastric cancers each year.
A ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign launches today urging people to visit their doctor if they have heartburn most days for three weeks or more, as this can be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer.
Matthew Day, consultant at Public Health England said: “The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. Part of this is helping people to understand what persistent symptoms to look out for and encouraging them to go to their doctor.
"People may be reluctant to visit their doctor about persistent heartburn, thinking that it’s something they just have to live with. But heartburn most days for three weeks or more could be a sign of cancer – something of which 59% of people in this survey were unaware.
“But crucially, it’s also about improving cancer survival outcomes in Yorkshire and the Humber. Earlier diagnosis remains the most effective method of doing this, so If you do have possible signs, go and talk to your doctor.”
It has been estimated that around 950 lives could be saved in England each year if our survival rates for oesophago-gastric cancers matched the best in Europe.
Most people diagnosed with the cancer are aged 50 and over.
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