Persistent heartburn or swallowing difficulty should be checked for oesophageal cancer, says charity

(Left to right) John Claffey, patient advocate for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), Padraig Harrington, patron of OCF and Gillian Schorman patient advocate at the launch of the OCF Lollipop Day 2026. Picture: Jason Clarke

Almost 70% of people would not recognise early warning signs of oesophageal cancer although over 75% of adults experience heartburn which can be one of those signs, new Irish research shows.

Golfer Padraig Harrington, whose father died from oesophageal cancer, has now urged people to learn the symptoms of this often treatable disease and not wait three months as is typically the case.

He is supporting a campaign by the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) after a survey carried out for the charity found a big gap in people’s awareness.

“My dad passed away from oesophageal cancer over 20 years ago. He was very fit and strong, so it came as a huge shock,” he said on Monday. “On average, people wait around three months before seeking medical advice, and that delay can make a real difference.” 

He called on people to get symptoms, such as persistent heartburn, checked out. “At the very least, it can give you peace of mind,” he said.

Golfer Padraig Harrington, whose father died from oesophageal cancer, has now urged people to learn the symptoms of this often treatable disease and not wait three months as is typically the case. Picture: Jason Clarke

Patient ambassador and nurse, Gillian Schorman, was diagnosed four years ago with this cancer. “When I trained as a nurse over 40 years ago, oesophageal cancer was like a death sentence,” she said.

“Patients would fade away because they couldn’t eat and the surgical options and nutritional support were very limited back then. 

"So, when I was diagnosed, I was terrified, but the care and support I received was so positive, with major advancements in the surgical and nutritional options available nowadays.” 

The charity’s founder Noelle Ryan said progress over the last 25 years in treatment and research has been “extraordinary”, but public awareness must continue to improve.

Its survey, carried out in January by Amárach Research with 1,000 adults, showed gaps in awareness remain. “When we started OCF, oesophageal cancer was rarely talked about and many people were diagnosed too late,” she said.

“There is far more hope today, but this research shows we still need to help people understand the symptoms and that difficulty swallowing food or persistent heartburn should be checked out by a GP.” 

HSE national lead for oesophageal cancer, Professor John Reynolds is a board member on the charity.

Evie McCarthy, aged three, at the launch of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) Lollipop Day 2026. February is oesophageal awareness month and sees events centred around February 27 and 28 as part of Lollipop Day campaigns. Picture: Jason Clarke

“From the very beginning, OCF focused on raising awareness of ‘red flag’ symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, while also supporting vital research and patient education,” he said.

“More recently, the emphasis has expanded to prevention and the importance of not ignoring severe or chronic reflux, which can be linked to Barrett’s oesophagus, the main risk factor for oesophageal cancer.” 

A key part of increasing survival rates was setting up Ireland’s Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry and Biobank, funded by OCF and Research Ireland. This now includes almost 10,000 patients.

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“To date, around 800 patients with pre-cancer or very early-stage cancer have been treated through this programme, with a 100% cure rate,” the OCF said.

February is oesophageal awareness month and sees events centred around February 27 and 28 as part of Lollipop Day campaigns.