"I thought it was just heartburn": Mansfield man diagnosed with cancer after years of reflux

John Wardman, 59, who works in his family’s appliance business in Mansfield, had experienced acid reflux symptoms for several years and frequently relied on over-the-counter treatments such as Gaviscon to manage the discomfort.

Like many people, he assumed the symptoms were simply something he had to live with.

However, after noticing new symptoms that didn’t feel right, John contacted his GP and was urgently referred for investigation. Tests later confirmed early-stage oesophageal cancer.

Cancer of the oesophagus – the food pipe – is the UK’s fourth biggest cancer killer in men, yet awareness of the symptoms remains low. More than 7,000 people are diagnosed with it every year.

John’s story comes as organisations across Nottinghamshire and Mansfield work together to raise awareness of the disease, including a recent awareness campaign at Mansfield Town FC that reached more than 7,300 fans.

Local people also have access to a new heartburn health check – part of an NHS pilot project – at pharmacies in the Nottingham and Mansfield areas.

The check may identify people who could benefit from further testing for conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus, which can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

For several years John experienced regular reflux and heartburn, which he largely managed himself.

He said: “For two or three years before my diagnosis I relied quite heavily on Gaviscon.

"If I had a glass of wine or ate something spicy I’d take it and just carry on.

“I just thought it was one of those things.”

Over time, however, John began experiencing symptoms that he now recognises as warning signs.

These included waking suddenly during the night choking, ongoing reflux that didn’t improve even while on holiday and occasional mild chest discomfort.

He continued: “The symptoms didn’t settle when I was away and relaxing, so when I came back I contacted my GP.

The GP gave him new medication to help.

"But about a week later, while out walking after breakfast, John experienced something new.

He recalled: “I suddenly became aware of the sensation of food travelling down my throat.

“It didn’t feel normal and it worried me.”

Trusting his instincts, he contacted his GP again and was urgently referred for further investigation.

An endoscopy was carried out within a week and revealed abnormalities in the oesophagus, including an affected area measuring around three to four centimetres.

Further scans confirmed early-stage oesophageal cancer linked to Barrett’s oesophagus.

As the cancer had begun to extend slightly into surrounding tissue, doctors recommended four cycles of chemotherapy followed by surgery.

John is currently undergoing this treatment.

John has always led an active lifestyle and believes this has helped him face treatment.

He enjoys skiing, walking, travelling and ballroom and Latin dancing, which he hopes to return to once treatment is complete.

He regularly uses a treadmill and attends personal training sessions four times a week.

Although a hip replacement five years ago ended his long-distance running, he remains very active and can still run shorter distances.

His good baseline fitness helped clinicians assess that he’s fit enough to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

Earlier this year, more than 7,300 fans attending a Mansfield Town match were reached through a joint awareness initiative involving NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, East Midlands Cancer Alliance, Cyted and Heartburn Cancer UK.

The campaign team spoke to hundreds of supporters in the members’ enclosure marquee, where information stands, leaflets, giveaways and even a model of the oesophagus helped spark conversations about the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer.

Many supporters shared their own experiences of persistent heartburn or spoke about loved ones affected by cancer.

The event demonstrated the importance of community-based awareness in helping people recognise symptoms earlier and seek medical advice.

Other activities saw campaign materials in GP surgeries, billboard advertising, local press and radio advertising and a social media campaign.

In some areas, people with chronic heartburn or reflux who have been self-medicating may be able to access additional diagnostic pathways through their GP.

These can include tests such as the capsule sponge test, which may help identify conditions such as Barrett’s oesophagus earlier in people who meet the relevant clinical criteria.

Local people experiencing persistent heartburn, who are self-medicating with over-the-counter medicine, can also ask about a heartburn health check at four local pharmacies:

·       Boots at Nottingham Victoria Centre

·       Peak Pharmacy, Rosemary Street, Mansfield

·       Well Pharmacy, Crown Medical Centre, Forest Town, Mansfield, NG190FW

·       Oakwood Pharmacy, Church St, Mansfield Woodhouse

Persistent heartburn or acid reflux lasting three weeks or more should always be checked by a GP.

Other possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer include:

• Difficulty swallowing

• Food feeling stuck in the throat or chest

• Persistent indigestion or reflux

• Unexplained weight loss

• Pain or discomfort in the chest

More information about symptoms and when to seek help is available at heartburncanceruk.org