Lorraine’s Story

“My persistence led to me being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.”

Having a long history of acid reflux and indigestion, I’d already had a scope (camera test) which showed no abnormality in my oesophagus.

I was taking prescribed medication for my symptoms when I had a flare up of reflux causing indigestion, burping and pain when swallowing food. When this didn’t resolve after several weeks I went to see my GP. Given the result of my scope 10 months previous he didn’t feel there was anything to worry about and I was prescribed some new medication.

A week later there was no improvement in my symptoms, in fact they were getting worse and I was feeling very concerned . I made another GP appointment with the same outcome as the first. It actually took a other 3 appointments before I was referred for a further scope. By this stage I was having trouble swallowing as my food was sticking. The scope showed that I had quite a large malignant tumour.

Fortunately my diagnosis was still timely enough for curative treatment and now 5 years following chemotherapy and surgery I am fit, well and enjoying life. Being fortunate enough to survive I am keen to raise awareness of the symptoms of Oesophago-gastric Cancer. Please remember persistent symptoms need investigated.