• Persistent heartburn

    Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breast bone due to acid or bile reflux. It occurs when the muscles at the lower end of your oesophagus, sometimes called your gullet or food pipe, become weak and allow digestive juices from your stomach and small bowel to flow back up. Do not ignore persistent heartburn! If it lasts more than 3 weeks, see your GP. Read more


We exist to raise awareness of the dangers of persistent heartburn.  Earlier diagnosis of a more serious problem helps save lives.

Covid 19 information from HCUK

We want you to know that, despite the unprecedented global situation regarding Covid-19 we are still available at Heartburn Cancer UK if you have any questions or concerns about Barrett's oesophagus or oesophageal cancer.

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Author: Nikki Foulkes

Join our Virtual campaign - Donate the #costofacoffee

The Covid-19 pandemic has made life difficult for each of us in different ways. As a charity, many of our previous fundraising plans have been put on hold and so, in order to enable us to continue our work raising awareness and supporting you - we would like anyone who is able to simply donate the #costofacoffee. To donate £3 text HCUK to 70331 - Read this news article for more information and for terms & conditions.

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Author: Nikki Foulkes

Share your story

Do you have an experience of Barrett's oesophagus or oesophageal cancer which you would like to share to help other sufferers? If so please get in touch.

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Our potential impact

59%

 Of oesophageal cancer cases in the UK are preventable compared to 38% of other cancers

8000

 Die of oesophageal cancer in the UK each year

12%

 Survive 10 or more years compared to 50% for other cancers

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Latest news

  • The Lancet - Cytosponge news

    Lancet article reporting on the use of Cytosponge as a triaging tool to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic Read more

  • Heartburn Cancer UK win health and care award

    Heartburn Cancer UK are delighted to have been announced as winners of a Health and Care Award for our work in raising awareness of the dangers of untreated persistent heartburn. Read more

  • BBC South Today Interview with Professor Tim Underwood

    Our Vice Chair and Clinical Trustee, Professor Tim Underwood, features on BBC South Today to express his concerns about the delays in people getting their symptoms checked. This also marks Tim’s first day back completing major surgery, since lockdown, for oesophageal cancer patient Terry. Read more

Latest events

  • Walk The Test ANOTHER Way

    Choose to walk one of five distances on this virtual journey along the Test Way during your daily exercise. Walk wherever you are, count distance or steps - and raise money for Heartburn Cancer UK whilst enjoying some essential fresh air and improving your wellbeing. Take part any time from 1st May until 31st July 2020. Read more

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    Location: Virtual Walk - Wherever You Choose

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  • Prudential - my ride London

    Get on your bike – or scooter, skateboard, tandem, penny farthing, trike, unicycle – and join the free My Prudential RideLondon event to help support Heartburn Cancer UK on 15-16 August 2020 Read more

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    Location: Virtual Ride - join in wherever you choose

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  • Tandem Skydive - September 2020

    We have partnered with Go Skydive, experts in tandem jumps, to give you the opportunity to experience the thrill of free-fall. Read more