Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
John Wardman, 59, who works in his family’s appliance business in Mansfield, had experienced acid reflux symptoms for several years and frequently relied on over-the-counter treatments such as Gaviscon to manage the discomfort. Like many people, he assumed the symptoms were simply something he had to live with.
However, after noticing new symptoms that didn’t feel right, John contacted his GP and was urgently referred for investigation. Tests later confirmed early-stage oesophageal cancer.
Cancer of the oesophagus – the food pipe – is the UK’s fourth biggest cancer killer in men, yet awareness of the symptoms remains low. More than 7,000 people are diagnosed with it every year.
John’s story comes as organisations across Nottinghamshire and Mansfield work together to raise awareness of the disease, including a recent awareness campaign at Mansfield Town Football Club that reached more than 7,300 fans.
Local people also have access to a new heartburn health check, part of an NHS pilot project, at pharmacies in the Nottingham and Mansfield areas. The check may identify people who could benefit from further testing for conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus, which can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
“I thought it was just heartburn”
For several years John experienced regular reflux and heartburn, which he largely managed himself.
“For two or three years before my diagnosis I relied quite heavily on Gaviscon,” he said. “If I had a glass of wine or ate something spicy I’d take it and just carry on.
“I just thought it was one of those things.” Over time, however, John began experiencing symptoms that he now recognises as warning signs. These included waking suddenly during the night choking, ongoing reflux that didn’t improve even while on holiday, and occasional mild chest discomfort.
“The symptoms didn’t settle when I was away and relaxing, so when I came back I contacted my GP,” he said.
The GP gave him new medication to help. But about a week later, while out walking after breakfast, John experienced something new.
“I suddenly became aware of the sensation of food travelling down my throat,” he said. “It didn’t feel normal and it worried me.”
Trusting his instincts, he contacted his GP again and was urgently referred for further investigation. An endoscopy was carried out within a week and revealed abnormalities in the oesophagus, including an affected area measuring around three to four centimetres.
Further scans confirmed early-stage oesophageal cancer linked to Barrett’s oesophagus.
As the cancer had begun to extend slightly into surrounding tissue, doctors recommended four cycles of chemotherapy followed by surgery. John is currently undergoing this treatment.
“Doing something made all the difference”
Reflecting on his experience, John believes that acting when something didn’t feel right helped lead to an earlier diagnosis.
“I’m deeply grateful that I acted on my symptoms instead of relying on medication alone,” he said. “Doing something made all the difference. It meant the cancer was picked up earlier and treatment could start quickly.
“The care I’ve received has been exceptional and I have complete trust in the NHS team supporting me.”
Dr Thilan Bartholomeuz, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board Clinical Director advices: “Anyone experiencing heartburn or acid reflux most days for three weeks or more should not ignore it. Although it is often harmless, persistent symptoms can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. Seeking timely advice from your GP can help identify the cause early and provide reassurance, investigation or treatment where needed.”
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