Doctors warn of cancer symptom mistaken for heartburn that should never be ignored

Doctors have been warning to people to visit a healthcare professional if they are regularly getting this symptom.

When it comes to a healthy working body, in short, quite a lot of things can go wrong.

Sometimes you might have a headache or a body ache and things pass, but sometimes more action is needed.

In some cases, a few simple lifestyle changes can mean no more issues, but sometimes things can be serious and you might not be aware of the extent of the problems.

While cancer can prove to be a scary topic for many, healthcare professionals insist that many types of cancers can be better treated if they are caught earlier.

With this in mind, doctors in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK have started a campaign across social media calling on people to visit doctors if they have concerns.

Most notably, they are highlighting that regular heartburn could be a symptom of oesophagael cancer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, oesophagael cancer or esophageal cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the esophagus. The esophagus is a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach and helps move swallowed food to stomach to be digested.

Posts on X, across a host of different institutions tied to the NHS, have shared posts that encourage going to doctors to check for this kind of cancer.

One post reads:“Oesophageal cancer is treatable when caught early.

“Don’t ignore symptoms such as persistent heartburn, acid reflux or difficulty swallowing. Contact your GP practice.

The poster attached to the X post also reads: “You might call it heartburn or indigestion.

“It’s probably nothing. But in some cases it could be a sign of cancer. Whatever you call it, don’t ignore it. If it keeps coming back, contact your GP practice.”

Besides heart burn or regular indgigestion, other symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing.
• Chest pain, pressure or burning.
• Coughing or hoarseness.
• Weight loss without trying.

The Mayo clinic also notes: “Esophageal cancer usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can happen anywhere along the esophagus.

“Esophageal cancer is more common in men. Risk factors include drinking alcohol and smoking.

“Esophageal cancer treatment often involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the two. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy also may be used.”