A major awareness campaign has been launched across Dorset to warn residents that persistent heartburn could be a sign of something far more serious than just indigestion.
Heartburn Cancer UK, in partnership with NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance, is highlighting the link between persistent heartburn and food-pipe (oesophageal) cancer—one of the UK’s deadliest cancers, often diagnosed too late due to missed early warning signs.
Persistent heartburn can be more than discomfort—it could be a warning sign
Cancer of food pipe facts – a killer that hides in plain sight
+ Cancer of the oesophagus is deadly, especially for men
+ It’s the 7th biggest cancer killer in the UK – the 4th biggest for men – despite being only the 14th most common. Around 8,000 people die from it each year
+ It’s a cancer that hides in plain sight. People often dismiss the main symptoms of heartburn or indigestion, not realising it’s a warning sign that should be properly checked
Many people mask the symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, such as Gaviscon or Rennie, rather than seeking medical advice. However, for some, these symptoms could indicate a pre-cancerous condition, which if found can be monitored, or even undiagnosed cancer. Early detection significantly improves survival chances.
Read a Heartburn Cancer UK case study – Joy’s Story – quick action saved my life
Roadshow to raise awareness
As part of this life-saving initiative, Heartburn Cancer UK, along with team members from NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance – which covers Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – will host a community awareness roadshow in Weymouth on Wednesday, 26 February.
The joint team will be outside The White Hart, New Bond Street, Weymouth, from 10:00am to 4pm.
Local residents will have the chance to speak with medical professionals and charity representatives about the risks of persistent heartburn, get expert advice, and learn about the importance of early detection.
Raising awareness across Dorset
Beyond the Weymouth roadshow event, the campaign will also feature:
- A series of high-profile awareness advertisements in bus stops and on petrol pumps in the region
- Posters and notices in local pharmacies and GP practices. They will also be sharing other awareness information, such as symptom booklets
- Promotions for the wider adoption of innovative early detection tools, such as the capsule sponge test, which could revolutionise early diagnosis. The simple check could save lives
Oesophageal cancer often remains undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment difficult.
Fiona Labrooy, Chief Operating Officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, said: “For many people, heartburn is just an occasional inconvenience, but for some, it can be a red flag for something far more serious. This campaign is about encouraging people to think twice about ongoing symptoms.
“If you’ve been regularly buying off-the-shelf remedies, or your symptoms have lasted for more than three weeks, it’s time to talk to your GP. It might just save your life.”
Fiona added: “We don’t want everyone who gets heartburn after a one-off boozy night out or a meal too late at night to contact their GP. But if it’s persistent, we don’t want people to swallow their discomfort.
“Getting the heartburn reviewed and dealt with properly means that early cancers can be spotted before they get out of control, pre-cancerous conditions can be found and monitored, and the heartburn can be controlled. This stops the acid doing the damage to the food pipe that can – over time – turn into cancer.
“By catching things early, people can carry on with their lives.”
Warning signs include:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
Heartburn Cancer UK and NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance urge anyone experiencing these symptoms for three weeks or more to see their GP practice as soon as possible.
The Heartburn Cancer awareness roadshow coming to Weymouth