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 because the earlier a problem is highlighted the better the outcome is likely to be.

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
• Oesophageal cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer death overall in the UK and is the 4th most common cause of cancer deaths in males.
• The UK has the worst survival record in Europe and the developed 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 to reduce the incidence of this appalling disease and to increase rates of early diagnosis, which is essential to improving prognosis.

Awareness

Early diagnosis is 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 can affect anyone, regardless of their race, gender or age.

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?

Support

We will ensure support is available to everyone living with persistent heartburn, Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer regardless of where they live. Information and advice is available to all those affected by these conditions and to the people who support them, on our website, by telephone or e mail, via our online peer support group or by contacting us via social media. 

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.”