John Wardman would experience acid reflux symptoms every time he had a glass of wine or ate spicy food
John Wardman, 59, ignored his persistent heartburn for years but is now warning people to contact their GP(Image: Heartburn Cancer UK (HCUK))
A Nottinghamshire man spent years using over-the-counter remedies to combat ‘heartburn’ – but it later emerged he was experiencing cancer symptoms.
John Wardman, from Mansfield, would take Gaviscon every time he had a glass of wine or ate spicy food due to combat the acid reflux symptoms.
When the 59-year-old, who works in his family’s appliance business, did contact his GP after a number of years, tests confirmed he had early-stage oesophageal cancer.
Mr Wardman has now urged others experiencing similar acid reflux symptoms to seek medical advice before it’s too late.
“For two or three years before my diagnosis I relied quite heavily on Gaviscon,” the Mansfield man said.
“If I had a glass of wine or ate something spicy I’d take it and just carry on. I just thought it was one of those things. The symptoms didn’t settle when I was away and relaxing, so when I came back I contacted my GP,” he said.
Mr Wardman’s symptoms included waking suddenly during the night choking, ongoing reflux that didn’t improve even while on holiday, and occasional mild chest discomfort.
He initially contacted the GP and was given new medication, but around a week later, he noticed new worrying symptoms when on a walk after breakfast.
“I suddenly became aware of the sensation of food travelling down my throat – it didn’t feel normal and it worried me,” Mr Wardman continued.
It was at this time when he sought further medical advice and was urgently referred for further investigation, and scans revealed early-stage oesophageal cancer which had begun to extend slightly into surrounding tissue.
John Wardman, pictured here with his wife before his cancer diagnosis, is now undergoing treatment(Image: Heartburn Cancer UK)
Because of this, doctors recommended four cycles of chemotherapy followed by surgery – treatment which Mr Wardman is currently undergoing.
“I’m deeply grateful that I acted on my symptoms instead of relying on medication alone – doing something made all the difference,” he added.
“It meant the cancer was picked up earlier and treatment could start quickly. The care I’ve received has been exceptional and I have complete trust in the NHS team supporting me.”
Despite around 8,000 people dying from oesophageal cancer each year and it being the UK’s fourth biggest cancer killer in men, many aren’t aware of the symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
Mr Wardman’s story comes as a new heartburn health check appointment is introduced at pharmacies in Nottingham and Mansfield, which will identify people who could benefit from further testing for conditions which can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
The Heartburn Cancer UK charity has warned that many people experiencing the symptoms of oesophageal cancer continue to self-medicate with over-the-counter remedies without seeking further medical advice.
Mimi McCord, the charity’s founder, added: “Many people live with heartburn for years and simply manage it with over-the-counter remedies like Gaviscon or Rennie.
“They often don’t realise that persistent heartburn or acid reflux can sometimes be a warning sign of something more serious.
“Oesophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the UK, yet awareness of the symptoms is still very low.
“That’s why stories like John’s are so important. If heartburn or reflux keeps coming back, particularly for three weeks or more, it’s important to speak to your GP rather than continuing to self-medicate.”