Symptoms of 'difficult to spot' cancer that require medical attention

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Scotland and as February marks Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month, it is even more important to shed light on the warning signs.

Oesophageal cancer is when abnormal cells in the food pipe (oesophagus) grow in an uncontrolled way. The oesophagus is also known as the gullet and is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.

While a sore throat or trouble swallowing is often just a virus, if it lingers, it could be time to consult your GP, according to the NHS. Persistent symptoms could indicate something more severe, including oesophageal cancer.

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"A sore throat tends to be something that goes away on its own," Dr Chow, a consultant medical oncologist at Cromwell Hospital, London, said.

"However, persistent pain in your throat, which feels as though it’s in the centre of your chest (or behind the breastbone), and difficulty swallowing, which is painful or a burning sensation, or food feeling as though it’s sticking in your throat, are common symptoms of oesophageal cancer and you should speak to your doctor."

This type of cancer often remains undetected until advanced stages due to a lack of early symptoms.

Julie Thompson, information manager at Guts UK, points out: "Oesophageal cancer can be difficult to spot, as it might not cause any symptoms until it causes an obstruction of food and drinks down the oesophagus, or until swallowing becomes painful."

Around 9,000 individuals in the UK are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer per year but there is no clear established screening programme, Chow noted.

Symptoms of oesophageal cancer can sometimes mimic more common problems such as indigestion, or be nonspecific, such as weight loss, too, meaning more than half of patients present with more advanced cancer.

So, what are the signs of oesophageal cancer?

oesophageal cancer symptoms to look out for

Difficulty swallowing

This is one of the most common symptoms of oesophageal cancer, says Thompson: "This symptom starts with solid foods and progresses to liquids as the cancer worsens. This is called dysphagia."

Unintentional weight loss

This refers to weight loss without trying.

Persistent indigestion or heartburn

"Some people report longstanding heartburn before developing symptoms, although most people who develop oesophageal cancer have no symptoms of this kind before they experience dysphagia," Thompson explained.

It's important to note that indigestion and heartburn are very common and rarely a sign of cancer.

Pain

Chow suggests that pain in your throat or behind your breastbone could be linked to oesophageal cancer.

Regurgitation of food

This may involve bringing up food or feeling sick after meals, sometimes with blood present in the vomit, Thompson says.

Coughing and hoarseness

Other infrequent symptoms include choking, persistent coughing, or unexplained chest infections, with Chow mentioning: "A cough that won’t go away, hoarseness of the voice, or coughing up blood."

Dark poo

Another unusual sign of oesophageal cancer mentioned by Chow is excrement that appears darker or almost black. Cancer Research UK notes this could be due to bleeding caused by the cancer within the oesophagus, but it's not a typical symptom and can also occur if you're taking iron supplements.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness might also signal the presence of oesophageal cancer, according to Thompson, particularly if the individual develops anaemia from bleeding in the oesophagus, leading to extreme tiredness.

Most oesophageal cancer patients are over 60 in the UK and have existing medical conditions. The risk is also higher when you consider lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and drinking alcohol.

"Going to the doctor early is important, as it can increase your chance of early diagnosis and effective treatment," Thompson emphasised.

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