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Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Contact our cancer information nurses
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Guts UK produce information and leaflets on common digestive diseases and illnesses. This includes information about cancer of the bowel, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach.
Helpline: 0300 102 4887 (open Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm) Email: helpline@gutscharity.org.uk
Heartburn Cancer UK raise awareness about persistent heartburn and its link to Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer. They support research and diagnostic testing to improve earlier diagnosis and patient outcomes. The charity also have an online support group and some face-to-face support groups.
The website includes information about heartburn, gastro oesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.
Tel: 01256 338668 Email: info@heartburncanceruk.org
Visit the Heartburn Cancer UK website
The OPA is formed of people who’ve had or still have oesophageal cancer. It publishes useful information about oesophageal cancer and some is relevant to stomach cancer. It also has local support groups and meetings. It offers advice, information, and support to anyone with eating difficulties after stomach or oesophageal surgery.
OPA Cancer Charity Unit 4 Bordesley Hall Farm Barns Storrage Lane Alvechurch Birmingham B48 7ES
Tel: 0121 704 9860 (24 hour) Email: enquiries@opa.org.uk
This is a national cancer charity that has been set up to help promote awareness of oesophageal cancer. It also hopes to encourage research into the causes of oesophageal cancer and to develop information on this disease and offer advice and support to patients and their families.
Ochre c/o 2 St Ronan’s Drive Glasgow G41 3SJ
Telephone: 0800 822 3370 Email: committee@ochrecharity.co.uk
Visit the Ochre charity website
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They also publish booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) Contact email form
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Phone: 0300 123 1801 Email: enquiries@maggies.org
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Visit the Healthtalk.org website
There are organisations and support services in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) website tells you where to find cancer information and support in Northern Ireland.
Last reviewed: 27 Sept 2023
Next review due: 28 Sept 2026
Oesophageal cancer is a cancer of the food pipe. The food pipe is also called the oesophagus or gullet and is part of the digestive system.
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include difficulty swallowing, indigestion or heartburn and weight loss.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you to a specialist and organise tests.
You might have surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments. This depends on a number of factors including the stage and type of your oesophageal cancer.
There is support available to help you cope during and after oesophageal cancer treatment. This includes diet tips to help you eat well.
Oesophageal cancer starts in the food pipe, also known as your oesophagus or gullet. The oesophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
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Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
