Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Awareness

Upper GI cancer refers to cancers that develop in the upper part of the digestive system. It includes:

• Oesophageal cancer (food pipe)
• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Duodenal cancer (small intestine)
• Gallbladder cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Small bowel cancer

Upper GI cancers affect parts of the digestive system including the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and liver. When found early, treatment is more effective and outcomes are better, but many people delay seeing their GP practice because they put symptoms down to common digestive issues.

Common symptoms of upper GI cancer

Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Bringing up food soon after eating
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Pain or discomfort in your upper tummy, chest or back

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s important to get them checked by your GP practice, especially if they don’t go away after 3 weeks.

Don’t wait, contact your GP practice if symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks.

Spotting the signs for specific cancers and symptoms to look out for

Oesophageal cancer

If you have any of the following symptoms and they don’t go away after a few weeks, speak to your GP practice:

• Difficulty swallowing or food sticking in your throat
• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
• Chest pain or discomfort when swallowing
• A hoarse voice
• A cough that doesn’t get better
• Feeling or being sick
• Bringing up food after eating

Don’t ignore these symptoms, if they persist for more than 3 weeks, speak to your GP practice.
Read more about oesophageal cancer symptoms on NHS.uk

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer can cause symptoms that are easy to dismiss as indigestion or other minor issues. See your GP practice if you notice:

• Loss of appetite
• Pain or discomfort in your tummy
• Heartburn or indigestion that doesn’t go away
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling full or bloated after eating
• Feeling or being sick

Don’t ignore these symptoms, if they persist for more than 3 weeks, speak to your GP practice.
Read more about stomach cancer symptoms on NHS.uk

Liver cancer

Some early symptoms of liver cancer can be mistaken for other conditions. Contact your GP practice if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
• Pain or swelling on the right side of your abdomen
• Feeling or being sick
• Feeling very tired or generally unwell

Don’t ignore these symptoms, if they persist for more than 3 weeks, speak to your GP practice.
Read more about liver cancer symptoms on NHS.uk

What to do if you notice symptoms

If any of these symptoms persist for more than 3 to 4 weeks, or keep coming back, don’t ignore them.

Most people who have these symptoms do not have cancer, but it’s always best to get checked.
Your GP may arrange simple tests or refer you for further investigations such as an endoscopy or ultrasound scan.

Don’t wait, getting checked early can make all the difference.

Support and information

NHS – Oesophageal cancer
NHS – Stomach cancer
NHS – Liver cancer
NHS – Pancreatic cancer
Cancer Research UK
Macmillan Cancer Support

If you live in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent and are worried about any symptoms, please contact your GP practice.

You can also visit your local community pharmacy for advice about indigestion or reflux symptoms, but if they don’t go away, book an appointment with your GP practice.