February - Oesophageal Awareness Month

February is the month when we make extra efforts to promote awareness of the risks of oesophageal cancer.   Our prime concern is the many people who self-medicate with over-the-counter heartburn medication (eg Gaviscon, Nexium, Rennies, Tums).   These medications all have information leaflets that advise people to contact their GP if their symptoms persist.   We reinforce that advice.   Our prime message is that persistent heartburn is not normal, and whilst many over-the-counter medicines are excellent, they can have the effect of masking underlying causes.  

We distribute leaflets and posters to pharmacies, GP surgeries, dental practices and other public places in addition to special awareness events.

Resources are available here for volunteers to download.

If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to email us