OESOPHAGEAL cancer is a devastating disease — but not everyone is aware of its tell-tale signs.
Slade singer Noddy Holder has been battling the brutal condition for five years, his wife Suzan has revealed.
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Noddy, 77, was given just six months to live when he was first diagnosed, but has been given a new lease of life on a groundbreaking chemotherapy trial.
Suzan said: “There were no guarantees, no one knew if it would have any effect, let alone work miracles, but he responded well.
“As anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis will know, the experts never like to use the word ‘cure’, but here we are five years later and he’s feeling good and looking great.”
Despite Noddy’s success with the treatment, the illness kills around 8,000 Brits a year.
Some 9,300 people are diagnosed annually, and you’re more at risk of it if you are over 75, a man or have certain long-term conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Smoking and drinking alcohol also increase the chances of getting it.
Symptoms of the disease can be wide ranging, but one surprising sign can be spotted when you’re on the toilet.
Blood from the oesophagus can make its way through the digestive tract, changing the colour of your stools.
However, this is a rare sign and could also indicate a range of other health conditions, so see your GP if you have any of the following symptoms.
What are the 10 symptoms of oesophageal cancer?
According to the NHS, symptoms of oesophageal cancer can be hard to spot but often 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)