Stomach cancers kill 690 each year

MORE people die from oesophageal and stomach cancer than from breast cancer each year, yet few people are aware of the disease or its symptoms, a survey has revealed.

It has found that less than 50% of the Irish population have heard of oesophageal cancer while only 12% were able to identify the main symptoms of the disease.

Every year, around 690 people die of cancer of the oesophagus and stomach and 630 people die of breast cancer.

Consultant surgeon Prof Thomas Walsh, who conducted the survey with his medical colleagues at Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, explained that the major tell-tale signs of oesophageal cancer are difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, regurgitation and hiccups. These symptoms are especially significant if they occur against a background of chronic heartburn.

“Because of the general lack of awareness of these symptoms, sufferers often only present to a GP after experiencing these symptoms for a number of months,” he said.

“It is a pity that people are not as aware of the significance of difficulty swallowing as they are of the significance of a breast lump.”

The oesophagus is the hollow tube that brings food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. In the past the disease was most commonly associated with older men but in recent years it has increasingly been seen in younger people and women.

To raise awareness of the disease, the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is holding its annual awareness day, Lollipop Day this weekend. Hundreds of volunteers will be out and about all over the country selling lollipops in a bid to raise awareness of the disease and improve patient care. To date over €735,000 has been raised. More information is available at www.lollipopday.com.