A 73-year-old resident of Holywood in County Down received a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer at Ulster Hospital in March 2024. Lesley McDowell had lived with achalasia, a condition that paralysed her oesophagus, for years. She experienced vomiting blood on two occasions and then collapsed at home.

Her GP directed her to the emergency department at Ulster Hospital. Staff admitted her to the gastroenterology ward and initiated urgent tests. The tumour proved malignant.

Treatment followed swiftly at Belfast City Hospital. McDowell underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery in September 2024 removed her oesophagus. She reports no evidence of cancer since the procedure.

During Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month in February, McDowell recounted her case to promote recognition of symptoms. South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust covers the area, including Ulster Hospital.

Macmillan Upper GI Clinical Nurse Specialist Joanne Flynn outlined key indicators. These include trouble or pain swallowing, food catching in the throat or chest, ongoing heartburn or reflux, unintended weight loss, chest discomfort, persistent cough or hoarseness, vomiting, and signs of anaemia or fatigue.

Flynn stressed that endoscopy and other probes aid timely identification. The Trust supports patients from diagnosis through recovery.

Northern Ireland's health services emphasise early intervention for cancers with lower survival rates. Oesophageal cancer involves the tube linking mouth to stomach.