Maria Miller was delighted to welcome Heartburn Cancer UK to Westminster today, meeting with constituent Beryl Huntingdon at the charity’s ‘Battle Bus’, which was parked at Old Palace Yard. 

Heartburn Cancer UK is a charity dedicated to raising awareness for Oesophageal Cancer, encouraging sufferers to visit their GP and providing education to healthcare professionals.  The charity was founded by the widow of a 47-year-old man who died nine weeks after he was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer.  His only symptom throughout his adult life was heartburn, which he ignored until it was too late.

Maria said: "It is great that Heartburn Cancer UK have come here today to raise awareness of Oesophageal Cancer which is the fifth biggest cancer in the UK. Getting early treatment is vital yet most people are unaware of the symptoms. Here in the UK we have the highest number of incidences of Oesophageal Cancer in the world but research lags twenty years behind that in other cancers. 

"Detected early, Oesophageal cancer can be cured, but it can often be mistaken for heartburn. With Christmas quickly approaching, now is a better time than ever to make sure that people are aware that heartburn can also be a sign for cancer.

"Congratulations to everybody who took part in today’s excellent event."

This Christmas, if you have persistent heartburn that lasts for more than three days, make an appointment to visit to your GP. Other symptoms of Oesophageal cancer include difficulties swallowing, weight loss, throat pain and a persistent cough.