Getting diagnosed

You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms. They will ask you about your symptoms and examine you.

They will then decide about whether to refer you for tests or to a specialist. You have further tests if you have cancer. These tests are to find out its size and whether it has spread. This is called staging.

Referral to a specialist

Your GP should refer you to a specialist if your symptoms could be due to oesophageal cancer.

Screening

There is no national screening programme for oesophageal cancer in the UK. Read more about this.

Tests

You might have one or more of these tests to find out the cause of your symptoms, or to find out the size of your cancer and whether it has spread. 

Last reviewed: 
12 Sep 2019
Coronavirus and cancer

We know it’s a worrying time for people with cancer, we have information to help.

Read our information about coronavirus and cancer