Noticing symptoms
Cancers and other diseases can cause symptoms. These are changes in your body that you notice. Examples of symptoms are having a cough, a pain or a lump.
Symptoms can be caused by many illnesses, not just cancer, but it is always best to have them checked out by a GP.
What you need to know
Oesophageal cancer symptoms
Sometimes when oesophageal cancer is in its early stages there may not be any noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms can seem minor but they should not be ignored, especially if they have been present for a while.
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include:
- unexplained weight loss
- difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
- discomfort or pain in the middle of the chest
- persistent indigestion or heartburn
- hoarseness
- cough that doesn’t go away
- fatigue
- vomiting blood.
If you have any of these symptoms, especially trouble swallowing, it is important to see your doctor about this.
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is always best to let your doctor know about any symptoms you have. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is always best to let your doctor know about any symptoms you have. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Other resources we recommend
Use the following links to find out more about this topic.
Oesophageal cancer symptoms
https://www.pancare.org.au/cancer/oesophageal-cancer/oesophageal-cancer-symptoms-risk-factors/
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/oesophageal-cancer/symptoms
Next steps
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP. Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns.
Remember, cancers that are found earlier can be easier to treat.