Heartburn that lasts for three weeks continuously can indicate the presence of oesophageal or stomach cancer, revealed a new study.
A national Be Clear on Cancer campaign launch coincides with results of a new survey commissioned by Public Health England, whichreveals only one in two people would visit their doctor if they had heartburn most days for three weeks or more, the Mirror reported.
Heartburn Symptom Evaluation
Heartburn is a symptom that occurs due to irritation of the food pipe either due to acid reflux or direct contact with spicy and irritant foods.
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However, having the complaint this often can be a sign of oesophageal or stomach cancer, the campaign warned. Early diagnosis of oesophageal or stomach cancer - also known as oesophago-gastric cancers, was crucial and means treatment was more likely to be successful.
Around 67 percent of people diagnosed with oesophago-gastric cancers at the earliest stage survive for at least five years, but this figure drops to around 3 percent for those diagnosed at a late stage.
![Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week]( "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week")
Approximately 5-7% of people in the world have GERD symptoms everyday. This includes adults and children. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness week was first observed in November 1999.
The survey of 1,046 people found 59 percent of respondents did not know that heartburn could be a sign of cancer, with just 15 percent saying they were certain that it was a symptom.
Another symptom highlighted by the campaign was a difficulty swallowing food. The survey found that 70 percent did not know food sticking in the throat could be a sign of cancer, and just 13 percent of those surveyed were sure it is a symptom.
Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said that patients with possible early signs and symptoms should visit their GP so where necessary they can be referred for tests, and treatment can start quickly.
Source: ANI
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week
Approximately 5-7% of people in the world have GERD symptoms everyday. This includes adults and children. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness week was first observed in November 1999.
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The survey of 1,046 people found 59 percent of respondents did not know that heartburn could be a sign of cancer, with just 15 percent saying they were certain that it was a symptom.
Another symptom highlighted by the campaign was a difficulty swallowing food. The survey found that 70 percent did not know food sticking in the throat could be a sign of cancer, and just 13 percent of those surveyed were sure it is a symptom.
Sean Duffy, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said that patients with possible early signs and symptoms should visit their GP so where necessary they can be referred for tests, and treatment can start quickly.
Source: ANI
Animation Explaining What Causes Heartburn - Animation
Animation in 3D that explains what causes 'heartburn' and its symptoms of pain behind the chest. The pain can sometimes mimic a heart attack. It shows how acid from the stomach can reflux back into the food pipe called esophagus.
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 Beat the BellyacheCan't take the tummy ache? Read on to know if it's just a minor issue, or something more serious. | Advertisement
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