Each year, close to 53.000 people in Europe receive the difficult diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. This cancer is hard to diagnose and challenging to treat; as a result, approximately 46.000 people will lose their lives to this disease by the end of 2024.1
Oesophageal cancer requires a 360-degree, holistic, and adequate disease management approach, one that encompasses all aspects of a patient’s journey while including the patient in every part of the decision-making process.
To mark the month, we invite you to visit our webpage dedicated to identifying the risks, symptoms, and aetiology of Oesophageal Cancer. Help us spread our campaign materials, or consult our resources below.
What patients tell us
Dave: "I lived with reflux for year"
Dave's Story
I lived with reflux for years, but it wasn’t until I started having trouble swallowing that I went to my doctor.
Difficulty in swallowing turned out to be a crucial warning sign of oesophageal cancer.
Early detection saved my life. Take persistent symptoms seriously.
Dave Chuter, United Kingdom
Oesophageal cancer is a serious condition that is often overlooked due to the subtle nature of its symptoms, but recognizing the risks and warning signs early can make all the difference.
Persistent reflux and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) like Dave experienced are among the most common signs and symptoms.
Key risk factors for oesophageal cancer:
- Chronic reflux or GERD (persistent acid reflux)
- Obesity and excess weight
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Age, with increased risk over 50
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history or genetic predisposition
- Barrett’s Oesophagus, a condition caused by chronic acid exposure
- Poor diet, especially low in fruits and vegetable
If you feel you might be at risk, it’s important to monitor symptoms and discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Harry: "I had problems with swallowing food"
Harry's Story
I had problems with swallowing food.
At first, my doctor told me it could be stress-related, but I wasn’t experiencing any stress at that time.
Trusting my instincts, I pushed for further tests, which led to my esophageal cancer diagnosis. It's essential to listen to your body and seek answers.
Harry Verbunt, Netherlands
Oesophageal cancer can sometimes be misdiagnosed or overlooked, especially when symptoms are subtle. Harry’s story highlights how difficulty swallowing food can be a key sign.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Indigestion, such as frequent burping.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Persistent stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling very full or bloated after meals
In more advanced cases, symptoms can include:
- Blood in your stools, or black stools
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
- Significant unintentional weight loss (more than 10% of your body weight)
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Helena: "I began experiencing an unusual sensation in my oesophagus"
Helena's Story
When I was just 47, I began experiencing an unusual sensation in my oesophagus.
It was so discomforting that I made an appointment with my doctor, something I had rarely done before.
A gastroscopy revealed a tumour in the lowest part of my oesophagus.
Helena D’Arcy, Sweden
With the rise of early-age onset digestive cancers, it is crucial for younger generations to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Indigestion, such as frequent burping.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Persistent stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling very full or bloated after meals
In more advanced cases, symptoms can include:
- Blood in your stools, or black stools
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
- Significant unintentional weight loss (more than 10% of your body weight)
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Richard: "I ignored the mild symptom"
Richard's Story
"I ignored the mild symptoms—acid reflux, burning, and occasional chest pain—thinking they were nothing serious.
My wife urged me to follow through with a gastroscopy, that’s how I learned there was a growth at the base of my oesophagus.
Don’t overlook the signs, no matter how minor they seem. Early detection can make all the difference.
Richard Workman, United Kingdom
Richard’s story serves as a powerful reminder not to overlook even mild symptoms.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Indigestion, such as frequent burping.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Persistent stomach pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling very full or bloated after meals
In more advanced cases, symptoms can include:
- Blood in your stools, or black stools
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
- Significant unintentional weight loss (more than 10% of your body weight)
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Angelica: "I was experiencing severe stomach symptoms"
Angelica's Story
I was experiencing severe stomach symptoms that were brushed off as IBS.
But deep down, I knew something was wrong.
Advocating for a thorough investigation is what led to my oesophageal cancer diagnosis. Trust your instincts and persist.
Angelica Selander, Sweden
Oesophageal cancer can be difficult to diagnose, especially when its symptoms are initially mistaken for other conditions. Angelica’s story reminds us of the importance of trusting our instincts and advocating for our health.
If you’re experiencing persistent stomach issues or discomfort, it’s crucial to advocate for yourself with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask for the tests that can help uncover the root cause of your symptoms.
For the diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, doctors typically start with a physical exam and ask about symptoms. Imaging tests such as CT scans or endoscopy might be ordered to detect abnormalities. A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Additional tests, such as endoscopic ultrasound, can help assess the cancer's spread.
Early detection is key, so if you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for the appropriate tests.
Daksha: "My twin brother passed away from oesophageal cancer"
Daksha's Story
My twin brother passed away from oesophageal cancer, which made me realize how important it is to be vigilant about the symptoms I was experiencing.
If you have a family history of cancer, get checked.
If you have persistent heartburn or acid reflux, do not underestimate them—visit your family doctor.
Prof. Daksha Trivedi, United Kingdom
Daksha’s experience underscores the importance of understanding your family history and being aware of symptoms, especially when it comes to oesophageal cancer.
If cancer runs in your family, speak with your doctor about your risk and discuss any symptoms you might be experiencing.
Early detection could save your life.
Claire: "Food would get stuck"
Claire's Story
Food would get stuck, sometimes for up to a minute. I ignored it for months, thinking it was just acid reflux.
What seemed minor turned out to be oesophageal cancer. Trust your instincts—early detection matters.
Claire Evans,
Patient Advocate and Oesophageal Cancer Survivor
Ceri: "Don't ignore persistent difficulty swallowing;"
Ceri's Story
Don't ignore persistent difficulty swallowing; it could be more than just eating too quickly. See a doctor and get it checked out sooner rather than later.
Ceri Steele
Working together with our community of patients, survivors, and carers, we’ve created a digital tool to navigate, monitor and support the diagnosis and treatment of Oesophageal Cancer.
Your personal My DiCE Companion is a
FREE resource to support you:
- Get connected with our patient journey pathway
- Track your side effects, emotional well-being, weight, sleep and more, along
- Get scientifically backed, credible educational materials about testing, treatment, and living with Oesophageal Cancer.
2 easy steps to start:
1. Register
and get access to the secure environment.
2. Download & install
to start tracking and receive information.
To bring much-needed attention to this cancer on the rise, Digestive Cancers Europe started a concerted awareness campaign in 2021. Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month is now an annual part of DiCE’s awareness-building calendar.
This year we are campaigning to raise awareness of the risks, symptoms, and prevention of Oesophageal Cancer through messages inspired by reflections and advice from our community of patients, carers, and survivors impacted by the disease. We invite you to join us and share our social media campaign across your networks.
Download campaign materials
Social Media Assets
Download supportive materials for patients and carers
Dietary Advice Booklet
HER2 testing
(for patients)
HER2 Treatments
(for HCPs)
European Roadmap
Factsheet
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1. Source: ECIS – European Cancer Information System From https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu, accessed on 28/02/2024 – © European Union, 2024