Cancer

One of my main interests is oesophageal and gastric cancer. Compared to other cancers the prognosis isn't great and doesn't seem to be improving like it is in other countries for some reason. One of the ways we can improve the prognosis is to catch the disease at a much earlier stage. Echoing the main messages of the UK Governments 'Be clear on cancer' campaign from 2015, the main messages were 1. Having heartburn, most days, for 3 weeks or more could be a sign of cancer – tell your doctor 2. Food sticking when you swallow could be a sign of cancer – tell your doctor 3. Other symptoms of cancer could be weight loss, vomiting blood, lumps in the abdomen or neck, hoarse voice Risk factors for these cancers are smoking, regular alcohol intake, male gender, Barrett's oesophagus, older age and a family history of these cancers. If you have any of these [...]

Mr Ewen Griffiths, Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at QEHB has marked oesophageal cancer awareness month this February by writing the following article on oesophageal cancer and how patients are supported at QEHB.  https://www.qehb.org/oesophageal-cancer-awareness-month-2018 February is oesophageal cancer awareness month.   Many cancer charities come together on this month to raise public awareness of oesophageal cancer. These charities, include Cancer Research UK, Oesophageal Patients Association, Ochre, Barratt’s oesophagus campaign, Action Against Heartburn amongst many others. Oesophageal cancer is a devastating cancer which usually affects the lower oesophagus.   Unfortunately it usually present late when curable treatment option are limited. When the cancer is caught earlier, however, more curable treatment options are available. These treatment options include removal of the tumour by endoscopy if it is very early, surgical removal or surgical removal after chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy. Therefore, catching the cancer at its earliest stage is of the upmost priority. Symptoms of oesophageal or stomach cancer were highlighted by [...]

Youtube Videos on recovering from oesophageal and gastric cancer surgery and treatment Quality information on the internet on recovering from oesophageal and gastric cancer treatment is difficult to find.  I recommend these youtube videos to help understand aspects of treatment.   I hope you find them informative and interesting to watch.    Please note these patients were treated in other UK centres and not by me. Brian Papworth It took Brian a while to bring a sense of normality back into his life. He explains how little steps back into eating, drinking, walking and driving let him regain his freedom and this is part of a slow building process. It has been 3 months since Brian's surgery but with lots of encouragement he has come a long way! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-03coPhKZho John Bee John talks about the recovery process after major surgery. He mentions fatigue on exertion. John found after chemotherapy he had altered sensation in the hands, [...]