Jenny Mosley, 56, lost her brother Ade, 53, in October 2018, after he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer – but she believes her brother’s death led to the life-saving diagnosis for her husband
A man’s life was saved by his brother-in-law after his wife recognised that his persistent heartburn could be a sign of cancer. Jenny Mosley, 56, tragically lost her brother Ade, 53, to oesophageal cancer in October 2018, just six months after his initial diagnosis.
This loss taught her the importance of not dismissing signs like persistent heartburn, which she then noticed in her partner Dave, 48. Dave had been managing his heartburn with over-the-counter antacids for over a decade.
Following her brother’s death, Jenny got Dave registered for a capsule sponge test pilot with Heartburn Cancer UK and Cyted, the device maker. The test revealed Dave had Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that can lead to oesophageal cancer if untreated.
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Jenny, from Southampton, Hampshire, believes her brother’s death led to the life-saving diagnosis for her husband. She said: “We never connected the dots before. For years, we just assumed over-the-counter treatments, like Gaviscon, were enough, but Ade’s experience made us realise how dangerous ignoring symptoms could be.
“Dave had persistent heartburn for at least eight years, maybe 10, before being properly checked.When we got the results, it was a mix of emotions. Relief that we caught it early. But also fear of what could have happened if we hadn’t taken action. Ade would be proud to know his experience helped save Dave’s life.”
Before he passed away, Ade was working overseas as an electrical engineer and didn’t even have a UK GP when his symptoms became unbearable. He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but his cancer had advanced significantly and Abe died in October 2018 – six months after his diagnosis.
Jenny said: “It was heartbreaking to see him suffer. He was so brave, even when the treatment took such a heavy toll. We wish we had known more, sooner. Ade was always the life of the party. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm that it was hard to believe something so serious could be going on beneath the surface.”
Jenny’s partner, Dave, had been dealing with persistent heartburn for over a decade – relying on over-the-counter medication to manage his symptoms. It wasn’t until Ade’s death that Jenny and her family began to question the normality of such frequent heartburn and its potential link to more serious health conditions.
Jenny said: “Dave had persistent heartburn for years, Gaviscon was a feature on the weekly shop because he was taking it so much. We take antacids to quell the feeling, but we don’t actually think about the cause of it. We never connected the dots before. If you were taking paracetamol or ibuprofen every day, you’d go to a doctor, but for some reason, we don’t think the same with Gaviscon.”
Jenny signed Dave up for a capsule sponge test pilot with Heartburn Cancer UK after stumbling upon the charity – a simple procedure that’s conducted by a trained nurse, either on-site in a mobile unit or at a GP’s office, removing the need to visit a hospital. This crucial test revealed Dave had Barrett’s oesophagus, which is known to potentially escalate into oesophageal cancer if neglected.
With professional guidance, Dave began a regimen of Lansoprazole, a medication aimed at impeding acid reflux to manage his condition. Now, ongoing endoscopies are scheduled to keep an eye on any changes in his condition.
Jenny expressed her profound relief: “It’s such a relief to know Dave is being monitored closely. We’ve made lifestyle changes together, and we’re more aware of the importance of staying on top of his health. Ade would be delighted to know that he has helped Dave. He would have been happy that, at least, something positive came out of all his suffering.”
Heartburn Cancer UK’s Chief Operating Officer Fiona Labrooy underscored the tragic outcomes of ignoring persistent heartburn symptoms: “In our day-to-day work, we too often hear of the missed opportunities when people die or get very sick because they’ve ignored persistent heartburn or self-medicate for too long. And it’s always devastating.”
She also pointed to the hidden risks associated with a common ailment: “For many people, heartburn is a minor issue. But for some, it can be a warning sign of something far more dangerous.”
During Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month this February and beyond, campaigners are stressing the importance of keeping track of heartburn. One remarked, “Over Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month this February – and beyond – we hope to encourage people – of all ages – to look again at their heartburn and think seriously about how long they’ve had it and how often they get it.”
They added, “If they regularly buy off-the-shelf or over-the-counter remedies or if it’s been around for three weeks or more, they should speak to their GP practice about it,” and concluded with a stark reminder, “It might just save their life.”
