Experiences with
Oesophageal cancer

SymptomsDiagnosisCausesPreventionMedical treatmentsSupport

Symptoms of oesophageal cancer include regular heartburn or indigestion, losing weight, feeling tired, problems swallowing and chest or throat pain.

The main test for oesophageal cancer involves using a long, thin, flexible tube with a camera inside to look inside your oesophagus (gastroscopy).

Anyone can get oesophageal cancer, but it often affects men, people over 75, or those with medical conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Oesophageal cancer cannot always be prevented. But healthy lifestyle changes like not smoking and losing weight can lower your chances of getting it.

Oesophageal cancer can often be treated. Your treatment plan will depend on your situation. It may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

If you have oesophageal cancer, you can get support from your specialist team and charities like the Oesophageal Patients Association.

Main symptoms of oesophageal cancer

There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot.

They can affect your digestion, such as:

having problems swallowing (dysphagia)
feeling or being sick
heartburn or acid reflux
symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot

Other symptoms include:

a cough that is not getting better
a hoarse voice
loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
feeling tired or having no energy
pain in your throat or the middle of your chest, especially when swallowing
black poo or coughing up blood (although these are uncommon)

If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

you're being sick for more than 2 days
your poo is black or dark red
you have symptoms of oesophageal cancer you're worried about, but are not sure where to get help

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

you have problems swallowing
you've lost a noticeable amount of weight
you have heartburn most days that lasts for 3 weeks or more
you have symptoms of oesophageal cancer that get worse
you have a condition that causes digestion symptoms and they're not getting better with your usual treatments

Who is more likely to get oesophageal cancer

It's not always clear what causes oesophageal cancer.

Anyone can get it, but you might be more at risk if you:

are over the age of 75 (it's not very common in people under 45)
are a man
have certain conditions, such as long-term, severe acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), or Barrett's oesophagus

Many oesophageal cancers are also linked to lifestyle. For example, you're more likely to get it if you're overweight, smoke or drink too much alcohol.

How to reduce your chance of getting oesophageal cancer

You cannot always prevent oesophageal cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

try to lose weight if you're overweight
let hot drinks cool down a bit before drinking, so they do not damage your oesophagus
try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
try to quit smoking

Main test for oesophageal cancer

If the GP or specialist thinks you might have oesophageal cancer, they will probably refer you for a test to look inside your oesophagus.

This test is called a gastroscopy (a type of endoscopy) or sometimes a camera test. It looks for any problems in your oesophagus or stomach, including oesophageal cancer.

During a gastroscopy:

A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside (called an endoscope) will be put into your mouth and down your oesophagus.
A specialist will use the camera in the endoscope to look for any problems.
A small sample of cells (called a biopsy) may be collected during the procedure. These cells will be sent to a laboratory to check for cancer.

The gastroscopy should take around 10 to 15 minutes, but you'll probably be in hospital for several hours.

The test should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable.

You may be offered things to make you more comfortable and make the test easier, such as:

a spray to numb the back of your throat (local anaesthetic)
sedation – medicine given through a small tube in your arm to help you relax
putting you to sleep (general anaesthetic)

A gastroscopy can also help find problems in other nearby organs, such as your stomach and the first part of the bowels (small intestine).

Treatment for oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is often treatable. But it can be difficult to treat.

The treatment you have will depend on:

the size and type of oesophageal cancer you have
where it is
if it has spread
your general health

It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
help you manage any side effects, including changes to your diet

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

If you have oesophageal cancer, you and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about oesophageal cancer.