Notts: Council want residents to be ‘Clear on Cancer’

Notts County Council is putting its support behind the latest cancer awareness campaign and is encouraging anyone with symptoms of stomach or oesophagael cancers to contact their GP.
County Hall at Trent BridgeCounty Hall at Trent Bridge
County Hall at Trent Bridge

The new Be Clear on Cancer campaign being run by Public Health England is highlighting heartburn for most days for three weeks or more, and food sticking in your throat when you swallow, as possible signs of these cancers.

In 2012, 28 deaths in Bassetlaw were due to these cancers, and 33 patients were newly diagnosed with the disease.

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Being aware of the signs of cancer, and going to see the doctor promptly, means cancers can be found when they are most treatable.

Treating stomach and oesophageal cancers at the earliest stage means two out of every three people surviving for at least five years following the treatment- far higher than for those with a later diagnosis.

The national campaign launched on Monday 26th January and will run for four weeks including national TV, radio and print advertising.

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chair of the Notts Health and Wellbeing Board said: “It might very well not be anything serious, but if you or someone you know has experienced possible signs of these cancers, the clear advice is to contact your GP as soon as possible to get it checked out. Your doctor will be aware of the key signs of cancer and will be waiting to help.”

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Other symptoms of oesophageal or stomach cancer may include losing weight for no obvious reason, pain or discomfort in your upper tummy area and feeling full very quickly when eating.

Dr Chris Kenny, director of Public Health Nottingham City and Notts County said: “People with these symptoms should be telling their doctors. It’s probably nothing serious, but if there is something wrong, then finding it early makes it more treatable.”