A NEW Heartburn Health Roadshow is coming to Tameside this month, aiming to raise awareness about persistent heartburn and its possible link to oesophageal (food pipe) cancer.
Residents can look out for the striking mobile unit – decorated with flames along its side – which will stop at Morrisons in Hyde (SK14 2NN) on Tuesday, October 14, from 10:30am to 6pm. The event is free to attend and no appointment is needed.
The roadshow, organised by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance (part of the NHS) and national charity Heartburn Cancer UK, will visit ten locations across Greater Manchester between 6 and 17 October.
Visitors can speak to healthcare professionals about persistent heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux, and learn about early signs of oesophageal cancer. Information will also be available on Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that can sometimes develop into cancer if left untreated.
Dr James Britton, Early Diagnosis Clinical Lead for Oesophageal Cancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:
“We want to raise awareness so people think seriously about persistent heartburn. Taking our mobile unit into communities will help us do just that.
If you’re over 55 and rely on over-the-counter remedies, or have had heartburn for three weeks or more, it’s important to speak to your GP – it could save your life.”
Fiona Labrooy, Chief Operating Officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, added:
“Our team is looking forward to welcoming people to the unit. We want to spread the word that untreated heartburn shouldn’t be ignored. If symptoms persist for three weeks or more, please see your GP. Over-the-counter products should only ever be a short-term fix.”
The campaign is supported by people who have experienced oesophageal cancer, including David Jones Stanley, from Wigan, who shared:
“When I was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer, I never imagined how something as common as heartburn could be linked to something so serious.
Getting symptoms checked early really can make all the difference. Don’t brush it off – pop into the roadshow, talk to the team, and see your GP if heartburn sticks around.”
Oesophageal cancer is the seventh biggest cancer killer in the UK – and the fourth most common among men – yet it ranks only 14th in terms of overall incidence. Around 8,000 people die from it each year.
For more information about the Heartburn Health Roadshow and full tour dates, visit: gmcancer.org.uk/heartburn-roadshow.