Cancer is a disease that will affect an astonishing 1 in 2 people in the UK, with 1,000 individuals diagnosed daily - including
Kate Middleton as was announced last week. Regrettably, only half of those diagnosed with
cancer live for 10 years or more post-diagnosis, which is why early detection is crucial. This is why health experts constantly remind us to be aware and listen to our bodies for signs and symptoms of cancer that could be easily overlooked or mistaken for something else - because spotting it early and getting treatment can give you or your loved one the best chance of survival. Cancer Research has shared a list of 23 common and often missed symptoms that could suggest someone has cancer and should see their doctor. The NHS states that 1 in 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetime and in the UK, the four most common types are breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer, reports Yorkshire Live . But it's not just smokers and red meat eaters who are at risk (although both have been shown to increase your risk). There are various types of cancer that can develop in all sorts of ways in otherwise healthy people. And there's one type of symptom you can only spot after eating: constant heartburn or indigestion. Heartburn feels like an acidic reflux sensation in your chest/stomach or throat after eating. Heartburn sufferers are being urged to see a doctor if their symptoms persist, as it could be a warning sign of a deadly cancer. According to John Hopkins Medicine, when heartburn becomes frequent, the body may try to heal the damage by replacing the lining of the oesophagus with tissue similar to that found in the small intestine. This is known as Barrett's oesophagus. which while benign increases the risk of oesophageal cancer, which can spread to the lymph nodes. Anyone who has long-term acid reflux or heartburn should see their GP immediately. So what happens when you have heartburn? John Hopkins Medicine spells out how it affects people. Short-term heartburn For periods of a few months or less, acid reflux is unpleasant but rarely dangerous. If you experience infrequent heartburn, you should check with your primary care provider. Your doctor will typically recommend that you should: Refrain from eating three to four hours before bed. Eliminate caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Refrain from lying down for long periods of time. Lose some weight. Your doctor may also choose to check you for a hiatal hernia . Worsening Esophageal Damage If the heartburn becomes frequent, some people’s bodies attempt to heal the damage by replacing the esophagus’ lining with tissue very similar to the small intestine, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. This benign condition caused by stomach acid is a concern, as it increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Although the majority of patients with Barrett’s esophagus will never develop esophageal cancer, “given how deadly this cancer is, it’s a condition needing attention and treatment,” explains gastroenterologist Marcia “Mimi” Canto, M.D., M.H.S . Some people with Barrett’s esophagus will not require immediate treatment but will need to have their progress monitored by a gastroenterologist. For others with precancerous changes, treatment may require endoscopic ablation of the Barrett’s esophagus. Progression to Esophageal Cancer A small percentage of people with Barrett’s esophagus will develop cancer. “Identifying cancer early really improves patient care and outcomes,” says surgeon Richard Battafarano, M.D., Ph.D. Cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes can be removed using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. When the cancer is more advanced, surgical removal is required. In advanced cases, often when patients hadn’t shown symptoms or been treated before the cancer’s discovery, chemotherapy or radiation treatments may be required before surgery. Preventing Esophageal Cancer Although only a fraction of people with GERD will develop health complications, explains Canto, “it’s not normal to have recurrent daily heartburn. Diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus and treating it before it can progress is a scientifically proven way to prevent cancer.” Anyone with long-term reflux should make an appointment with their primary care provider instead of self-treating with over-the-counter medications. You should consult with your primary care provider if you have GERD and the following risk factors: Five years or more of reflux symptoms GERD symptoms from a young age Obesity History of smoking Cancer Research
UK says there are 23 common symptoms of cancer to watch out for. The NHS advises: "It's important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms." "Although it's unlikely to be cancer, it's important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat. If your GP suspects cancer, they'll refer you to a specialist usually within 2 weeks." Cancer Research UK adds: "There are over 200 different types of cancer that can cause many different signs and symptoms. Sometimes symptoms affect specific areas of the body, such as our tummy or skin. But signs can also be more general, and include weight loss, tiredness (fatigue) or unexplained pain." "It's important to be aware of what is normal for you and speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes or something that won't go away. This can help to diagnose cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful."