Events

20for20 - Cancer doesn't stop for Covid

We have joined forces with 19 other less common cancer charities to create a unique and exciting 20-day challenge called 20for20 to raise vital funds which will enable us to continue with our work despite the pandemic. Read more

The Virgin Money London Marathon

If you have a ballot place for The London Marathon and are inspired to fundraise for HCUK then we would be delighted to hear from you. Read more

The Royal Parks Half Marathon

Why not run this stunning 13.1mile route on closed roads, rescheduled to happen in the spring and taking in the capital’s world-famous landmarks as well as four of the Royal Parks. Read more

The Brighton Marathon

Be a part of the unmissable Brighton Marathon Weekend. Take on this 26.2 mile challenge and raise money for Heartburn Cancer UK at the same time! Read more

Tandem Skydive - 24th April 2021

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

Jurassic coast weekend trek

Stretching 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, to Orcombe Point in East Devon, the Jurassic Coast – England’s first Natural World Heritage Site – is the most geologically diverse coastline in the world. Spend a weekend in May or September enjoying the spectacular scenery whilst raising funds for Heartburn Cancer UK Read more

Lands End to John O'Groats cycle

Cycling around 1000 miles, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the furthest possible distance in the British Isles, is a classic challenge that many dream of. This is your opportunity to make that dream into a reality. Read more

Snowdon by night

Ascending Snowdon is a popular trek by day-time but it forms a real challenge by night. Standing at the summit by moonlight will be an unforgettable experience, as will seeing the sunrise from the mountain slopes. Join this fantastic weekend trip with Discover Adventure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Read more

Yorkshire three peaks weekend

We have partnered with Discover Adventure, an award winning adventure holiday company, to give you the opportunity to conquer The Yorkshire Three Peaks - a challenge for the keenest of walkers. To scale three mountains in two days is no mean feat and provides an exhilarating and demanding trek in some of England's most stunning countryside Read more

London to Paris cycle ride

Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe and is an extremley popular trip. Choose from dates in June, July or September 2021 and join the team at Discover Adventure to make memories you will never forget. Read more

Latest

Tandem Skydive - 24th April 2021

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

HCUK supporter Chrissy runs unbelievable 52 marathons in 52 weeks - and she's not stopping there...

Chrissy Gorham lost her husband, John, to oesophageal cancer in 2018. She and John loved to run together and, since his death, she has continued to use running as a means of raising both funds for charity and awareness of the condition. Her achievements are quite outstanding...

Closing the deadly cancer gap

The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce has published a report outlining their recommendations on how to improve outcomes for those suffering with the six less survivable cancers in the UK. This includes oesophageal cancer.

20for20 - Cancer doesn't stop for Covid

Persistent heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the breast bone caused by 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.

Barrett's oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition that affects the lining of the oesophagus, the muscular tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. It is sometimes referred to as a pre-cancerous condition, meaning that people who have Barrett’s are more likely to develop cancer of the oesophagus than people who do not.

Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is usually of two types. Adenocarcinoma usually occurs in the lower oesophagus at the junction with the stomach and is linked to Barrett’s oesophagus, even if this has not already been diagnosed. The second type is squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to affect the upper part of the oesophagus and is more strongly linked to smoking and alcohol.

Lands End to John O'Groats cycle

Accessibility

Lifestyle changes

There are foods and substances that make reflux more likely. Avoiding or reducing certain food and drink may therefore reduce symptoms.

Donate

Your donations allow us to continue our work in raising awareness of the early symptoms of oesophageal cancer, to provide essential information to the public and the medical profession and to support those affected by oesophageal cancer and Barrett's Oesophagus and their families.