LOCAL cancer patient Greg Hart is living proof that the speedy diagnosis and treatment of difficulty swallowing and a sore throat can save your life.

The 68-year-old, from Newton Aycliffe, said: “I had difficulty swallowing and a sore throat for six weeks that just wouldn’t go away. I didn’t have a cold or any other related symptoms so I went to my doctor to get it checked out.

“I was sent to the hospital to have a camera investigation done and they told me I had cancer of the oesophagus. I couldn’t believe it, I thought the doctor was talking to someone else. It was a big shock.”

The cancer was diagnosed in March 2008 and after nine weeks of chemotherapy Greg underwent surgery.

“I wanted the cancer removing because I didn’t want to die and was prepared to do anything,” said Greg. “For me surgery was the best option. It is amazing to think I was diagnosed in March and by July I’d had the big operation and was getting back to enjoying life again. The care I received at that time was fantastic and what the surgeons did for me was incredible.

“I believe the doctor saved my life in reacting so quickly to my difficulty in swallowing,” said Greg. “I am so glad that I went along to see him. Things could have been so different if I had left it. When people hear the word cancer they automatically think of death. It frightens people, but I would urge anyone to go and get things checked out.”

Greg now volunteers with the Talking About Cancer Service, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, where he is able to offer information on the symptoms of cancer, fully supported by clinical staff in the Trust.

The Talking About Cancer Service will be holding information events throughout June to raise awareness of this campaign. If you would like to find out more, please visit them at any of the the venues listed on this page.

Dr Anjan Dhar, consultant gastroenterologist, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Be Clear on Cancer campaign focuses on the early signs and symptoms of stomach and oesophagus cancers, encouraging people to see their GP as finding cancer early makes it more treatable and could save your life.

“There are almost 13,000 new cases of these two cancers in England every year.

Together, they cause more than 10,000 deaths annually.

“Both cancers affect men and women, but are more common in men. More than nine out of ten people who get cancer of the stomach or oesophagus are over 55”.

Figures show that the North-East and North Cumbria have a higher number of people who develop cancer than the national average. More worryingly, research commissioned by the North of England Cancer Network showed that the majority of people don’t know the early signs and symptoms of the cancers affecting those living in the North.

Signs to look out for include:

• The feeling that food is sticking in your throat when you swallow;

• Heartburn or indigestion on and off for three weeks or more.

You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out, so make that trip to your doctor’s surgery.

If it’s nothing to worry about, your mind will be put at rest, but if it is cancer of the stomach or oesophagus, early detection makes it easier to treat. Seeing your doctor without delay may save your life.