A little lollipop goes a long way for oesophageal cancer

It started with heartburn but the heartburn persisted and no amount of Rennie could shift it.

After a few weeks of trying over-the-counter medicines to rid herself of the discomfort, Hazel Reardon, 52, from Caherciveen, Co Kerry, headed for the family doctor. It was the end of November 2010.

His prescription gave some relief but she still suffered from violent hiccups. Then there were the excruciating pains in her shoulder blades.