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Oesophageal and stomach cancers

What is oesophageal or stomach cancer?

Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that can affect your oesophagus, which is also known as your gullet. It’s the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.

There are several different types of stomach cancer. More than 95% of stomach cancers develop in the cells of the stomach lining and are known as adenocarcinomas.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of stomach or oesophageal cancer can be vague, and it’s important to remember that these could also be the symptoms of other, more common, easily treatable conditions.

Contact your GP practice as soon as possible, if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new and don’t go away:

  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Recently lost weight without trying.
  • Regular heartburn or indigestion that you didn’t get before.
  • Feeling full after eating small amounts.
  • Pain or discomfort in your stomach that’s new or getting worse.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer but if you notice anything that’s unusual for you or that won’t go away, you should contact your GP practice.

Douglas Rigg

Douglas Rigg, GP

If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know. Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.

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What's involved in getting checked?

Some people put off contacting their GP practice because they think they’ll be wasting their time. But if you’ve noticed any possible symptoms and you’re at all worried, they will want to know.

Here’s what you can expect at your appointment:

  • You’ll be asked about your symptoms – including what they are, when you get them and whether anything you do makes them better or worse. You may want to write this down in advance so you don’t forget.
  • Your doctor might do a physical examination, for example feeling your tummy and your neck.
  • They may want to get some blood tests done.
  • After your examination, you may need to be referred to a hospital for tests or to see a specialist.