What we do

Why Heartburn Cancer UK Exists

We raise awareness about the dangers of persistent heartburn, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett's oesophagus. Sometimes these conditions can lead to more serious conditions such as oesophageal cancer. Many people are unaware of this and we are trying to change that.

The media clip below explains the importance of public awareness and early diagnosis.

The Facts

Raising awareness can mean earlier diagnosis which helps save lives.
10% of people suffer with heartburn every week
10% of people with heartburn unknowingly have Barrett's
Half a million people in the UK have Barrett's without knowing and 50,000 of these may go on to develop oesophageal cancer. That's 1 in 10.
Around 8,000 people will die of oesophageal cancer each year.
About 22 people die each day of oesophageal cancer
Overall, oesophageal cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer death in the UK and in males in the UK its the 4th most common cause of cancer deaths.
The UK has the worst survival record in the world for oesophageal cancer.
Oesophageal cancer rates in men have risen by 57% since the early 1970s. In women the rates increased by 9%.

As a recognised and trusted authority in the field of cancer of the oesophagus, we know that with your help we can make significant inroads in the prevention, detection and treatment of this disease by focussing on 5 key areas of action:

Education

Education leads to a lasting change. We are working hard to influence public and social policy, to lobby politicians, to campaign for change, to promote greater collaboration amongst the medical profession, the public and the government. We are already in the process of developing a network of effective partnerships with businesses, the pharmaceutical industry, medical professionals and other like-minded groups. We intend to effect change and influence how this disease is perceived, detected, diagnosed and treated.

Research

Our aim is to significantly reduce incurable oesophageal cancer in the UK.

Our renowned medical professionals, all experts in the field of oesophageal cancer, will continue to play a key role in research and trials designed to reduce the incidence of this appalling disease.

Awareness

Early detection rates are vital to ensure a positive outcome. We are creating a communication network to facilitate greater awareness of the importance of diagnosing the disease early, identifying the symptoms associated with the disease and seeking medical help quickly. Oesophageal cancer affects everyone regardless of their race, gender or age.

Support

We will ensure consistent support is available to everyone affected by Barrett’s oesophagus, regardless of who they are and where they live. Information and advice is available to all those affected by the disease and to the people who support them, on our website or by telephone.

We need your help to bring this to the attention of your employees, friends & family or indeed anyone who might suffer from persistent heartburn!

You can make a difference. Perhaps you know someone who has suffered from persistent heartburn, Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer. Perhaps you run an organisation and would like to help. Why not make it your company’s corporate responsibility?

Evolving

We are not content with standing still; we are determined to develop and grow a sustainable UK charity which continually re-invests to maximise the impact of its resources.

Working with UK businesses and voluntary organisations' our outward facing collaborative approach will ensure we are the first place to come to for reliable, up to date information about heartburn, Barrett’s and oesophageal cancer.

Our Mission...

"...to be an authoritative UK source of information and awareness on the dangers of persistent heartburn, encouraging sufferers to seek medical advice and to support those diagnosed with heartburn and its complications. To create wider awareness within the medical profession of heartburn as a possible symptom of more dangerous conditions, whilst also ensuring pharmaceutical and retail industry responsibility in the sale of antacids.”

The Burning Question...

...Is it really just heartburn? Did you know that persistent heartburn can be an early symptom of oesophageal cancer? Very few people are aware of this potentially life saving information. HCUK work to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis and save lives.

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

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.

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.
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...
Lifestyle changes

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