The NHS has urged people to see a GP if they experience persistent heartburn. According to the health service, many people experience heartburn, or a burning feeling in the chest, from time to time.

Often, there's no clear reason for heartburn, which occurs when stomach acid travels up towards the throat. Sometimes it is caused by certain foods and drinks, stress, or medicines. The NHS says simple lifestyle changes can usually help stop or reduce heartburn. However, people should speak to a GP if their heartburn keeps coming back.

Posting on X, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board explained that people might dismiss the signs of oesophageal cancer. The post said: "Oesophageal cancer is treatable when caught early.

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"Don’t ignore symptoms such as persistent heartburn, acid reflux or difficulty swallowing. Contact your GP practice."

The health experts continued: "You might call it heartburn or indigestion. It's probably nothing. But in some cases, it could be a sign of cancer. Whatever you call it, don't ignore it. If it keeps coming back, contact your GP practice."

The NHS webpage on heartburn and acid reflux shares more guidance. It's advised to see a GP if:

• lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines are not helping your heartburn


• you have heartburn most days


• you also have other symptoms, like food getting stuck in your throat, frequently being sick, or losing weight for no reason

According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 9,400 new oesophageal cancer cases in the UK every year, which equates to 26 every day. The charity says: "A person’s risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors (including some potentially avoidable lifestyle factors)."

Oesophageal cancer refers to a cancer found anywhere in the oesophagus, which connects your mouth to your stomach. It's sometimes known as the gullet or food pipe. The NHS says: "There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot".

The NHS says they can affect your digestion, such as:

• having problems swallowing (dysphagia)


• feeling or being sick


• heartburn or acid reflux


• symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot

Other symptoms include:

• a cough that is not getting better


• a hoarse voice


• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to


• feeling tired or having no energy


• pain in your throat or the middle of your chest, especially when swallowing


• black poo or coughing up blood (although these are uncommon)

The heakth service adds: "If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly. You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you."