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Local health body urges residents to be clear on cancer

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The local NHS in West Lancashire is supporting the new ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign.

The national campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer (cancer of the gullet/food pipe) and stomach cancer.

The campaign urges people to tell their doctor if they’ve had heartburn most days for three weeks or more or if they have difficulty swallowing food.

Around 12,900 people are diagnosed with oesophageal or stomach cancer in England each year and these cancers cause around 10,200 deaths annually.

Other symptoms of oesophageal or stomach cancer may include:

  • Indigestion on and off for 3 weeks or more
  • Food feels like it’s sticking in your throat when you swallow
  • Losing weight for no obvious reason
  • Trapped wind and frequent burping
  • Feeling full very quickly when eating
  • Feeling bloated after eating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain or discomfort in your upper stomach area

Dr Jack Kinsey, local GP and NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) board member, said: “It’s important that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer and don’t just learn to live with them. While it’s probably nothing, talk to your GP if you have heartburn most days for three weeks or more.

“You’re not wasting anyone’s time by having your symptoms checked out – early identification of any cancer could save your life.”

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