Andrew, 67, explains ‘I was told it had spread and I’d only have two years left to live’ – before a miraculous turnaround
Andrew had always suffered with the occasional heartburn but when he started having discomfort swallowing he went to see his GP.
That was the start of a long journey of tests and repeat referrals before the accountant from Milton Keynes was eventually diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He tells his story today as new data shows the proportion of oesophageal cancers diagnosed at stage 4 in England increased from 25% in 2013 to 37% in 2022. Stage 4 cancer is an advanced stage of the disease and it means it has spread from its original site and is often incurable.
Brits are being warned that persistent heartburn could be a sign of oesophageal cancer which has been dubbed the “forgotten cancer” by Action Against Heartburn.
READ MORE: Deadly ‘forgotten cancer’ symptoms include heartburn – but it might be hard to spot
The charity analysed the latest data on the cancer which affects the food pipe which connects the mouth to the stomach.
Andrew Stanley was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer in 2023 and retired to focus on his battle with the disease.
The grandfather of three said: “I had heartburn for years and didn’t realise it could be the sign of something more serious. I saw a doctor when I was having difficulty swallowing food but it took some time for me to be diagnosed. It was a terrible shock to find out I had cancer, especially as I was told it had spread and I’d only have around two years left to live.
“It is relatively common but you don’t often hear about it. We need more recognition of symptoms and I’d advise anyone who is continually taking medication for heartburn to go to their doctor.”
There are around 9,200 new cases of oesophageal cancer in the UK each year and fewer than 20% of people diagnosed will survive for more than five years.
Jill Clark, chair of Action Against Heartburn, said: “Oesophageal cancer is the forgotten cancer. Incidence in the UK is disproportionately high and late diagnosis means that it is often fatal.
“The reasons for the increase in late-stage diagnosis are unclear but are likely to be due to a combination of strain on the NHS, referral delays, unhealthy lifestyles, an aging population and poor symptom awareness.”
The poor life expectancy for oesophageal cancer is largely due to late diagnosis. One year survival for oesophageal cancer is 89% if it’s diagnosed at stage 1 but this drops to 26% if it’s diagnosed at stage 4.
Andrew added: “At first there were very few treatment options, but then I was very lucky to have the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial at Churchill Hospital in Oxford. It was extremely successful and meant I was able to have surgery and I’m now clear of cancer.
“I want to share my story to give people hope but also to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer.”
