Gullet cancer survivor issues warning over subtle reoccuring symptom

Meet John Tattum, who was diagnosed with gullet cancer back in 2011, after suffering from a simple symptom most of us would tend to ignore.

John, who is a former engineer and pub landlord, is backing a new campaign across Greater Manchester which aims to raise more awareness of potential early warning signs and symptoms.

The 70-year-old from Wigan wants to highlight how important it is to see your doctor if you're 55 and experience heartburn or indigestion that lasts three weeks or more.

Heartburn – a burning sensation in your chest – and indigestion – apain or discomfort in your stomach - is often treated with over the counter medicine. But if your heartburn or indigestion lasts longer than three weeks and you are over 55, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor.

That’s why the NHS is running a new campaign called 'Don’t Ignore The Burn'.

The campaign also draws attention to difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck as another potential symptom of gullet cancer that people – whatever their age - need to act on by going to their GP.

It sees bright posters displayed at supermarkets and roadside locations in Greater Manchester, as well as adverts on pharmacy bags, radio, and on social media.

John, who was diagnosed with gullet cancer in September 2011 at the age of 56, explained: “I’d actually been taking heartburn medication for a few months. It was so bad I had the medicine on my bedside table and carried it everywhere I went.

“But I didn’t know heartburn was a sign of gullet cancer. I thought it was my hiatus hernia playing up.”

John eventually went to the doctors about some bowel issues he’d been having and his doctor sent him for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy.

He said: “They found a tumour in my