The NHS warns that some red flag cancer symptoms may show up during and after mealtimes. While most of us have likely experienced heartburn before, having eaten too quickly or consumed something acidic, the irritating inconvenience can sometimes have a more serious cause.
Heartburn, or acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid and occasionally partially digested food, flows back up into the oesophagus. The stomach lining is equipped to handle acid, but the oesophagus isn’t, resulting in a burning sensation and irritation.
Large, fatty or spicy meals can trigger heartburn, as can caffeine, alcohol, smoking, certain medications, and lying down shortly after eating. Obesity also increases the likelihood of experiencing heartburn.
While over-the-counter medication and lifestyle changes can usually alleviate heartburn, there are times when medical advice should be sought. According to NHS guidelines, you should consult a GP if lifestyle adjustments and pharmacy medicines aren’t helping, if you experience heartburn most days, or if you have additional symptoms such as food getting stuck in your throat, frequent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss.
In some cases, heartburn can be a symptom of oesophageal cancer, with other warning signs including difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, and excessive burping.
If you’re experiencing difficulty swallowing, noticeable weight loss, persistent heartburn lasting for three weeks or more, worsening symptoms of oesophageal cancer, or if your usual treatments aren’t improving your digestion symptoms, it’s crucial to see a GP.
Should you be vomiting for over two days, notice black or dark red faeces, or have concerns about potential symptoms of oesophageal cancer but are unsure where to seek help, it’s vital to arrange an urgent GP appointment.
While these symptoms are quite common and can be attributed to various conditions, they don’t necessarily mean you have oesophageal cancer. However, it’s essential to have them examined by a GP.
This is because early detection of cancer, if it is the cause, significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.