These stories are shared to honor those battling oesophago-gastric cancer, celebrate survivors and remember those we have lost. We hope that they reflect the diversity of people affected by Oesophago-Gastric cancers.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with oesophageal gastric junction cancer. The journey to my diagnosis was long and the symptoms I experienced weren’t initially recognisable.

Sean

Paddy had been suffering from acid reflux for quite some time. It wasn’t anything major but he was finding it hard to swallow some foods like bread, so we thought something mustn’t be quite right and went to get it checked out.

Caroline & Paddy's Story

I had been suffering from quite a lot of heartburn towards the end of 2021. I got increasingly more uncomfortable and remember saying to my husband Andrew that I felt like something was burning a hole inside me.

Jacqui

Back in the summer of 2020, a routine blood test showed that I was very anaemic. Thankfully, my GP noted that I shouldn’t typically be anaemic at my stage of life and referred me for investigations. 

Jean

I was 51 years old and I had just completed a job for the Scout association in Crawfordsburn. After this I found myself having some discomfort when eating and thought I had pushed myself too far and developed a hiatus hernia.

Adrian

I’m so thankful for being given a second chance. It’s been a hell of a roller coaster, but I’ve had more good days than bad days.

Leanne

I was aware of the symptoms, that’s why I caught it early!

Kevin

I could so easily have ignored it and not done anything for months

Noeleen McMorris

My persistence led to me being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.

Lorraine Pinkerton

Hope After Cancer

Christine

I was thrown in at the deep end of emotions not knowing what was going to come next.

Stewart Dickson

Early detection really does save lives, I am proof of that

Frances Hill

When I was diagnosed, we were all numb

Helen Setterfield

It was so distressing and a very anxious time for me

Tom Hague

Early Diagnosis is Key #CatchItEarly

Oesophageal cancer like many other cancers does not discriminate between age or sex and knowing and recognising the signs and symptoms are crucial to early diagnosis.  If you suffer from any of the following symptoms for longer than 3 weeks you should consult your doctor.

  • Persistent Indigestion
  • Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
  • Heartburn acid reflux
  • Hiccupping that wont go away
  • Unexplained weight loss.

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