People across Louth are being urged to recognise the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and seek medical advice early, as the Oesophageal Cancer Fund marks 25 years of work supporting awareness, research and improved outcomes for patients in Ireland.
The appeal comes during Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month in February and ahead of OCF’s flagship fundraising and awareness campaign, Lollipop Day, which will take place nationwide on 27 and 28 February.
Oesophageal cancer is commonly associated with symptoms such as persistent heartburn and difficulty swallowing food. While heartburn is widespread, OCF is highlighting the importance of not ignoring symptoms that persist or worsen over time, particularly when they interfere with eating or daily life.
Patient ambassador Paul Hargadon from Blackrock, Co Louth, is supporting the campaign and encouraging people to take action if they have concerns. He said he is keen to add his voice to efforts to raise awareness of symptoms so that early detection and survival rates can be improved. He believes that if sharing his story encourages even one person to have persistent heartburn or difficulty swallowing checked, it is worthwhile, and that people should not be afraid to speak to their GP about concerns.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund was founded in 2001 by Noelle Ryan and a group of friends following the death of a childhood friend, Lucilla Hyland, from oesophageal cancer. At the time, awareness of the disease was low, diagnoses were often made at an advanced stage and treatment options were limited.
Over the past 25 years, Ireland has become internationally recognised for excellence in the clinical management and research of oesophageal cancer. Survival rates have improved significantly, with cure rates approximately doubling. This progress has been driven by advances in multidisciplinary care, research and technology within a nationally regulated and centralised system, alongside improved public awareness.
However, new research commissioned by OCF shows that awareness gaps remain. Amárach research found that while more than three quarters of adults experience heartburn and most feel confident treating it themselves, almost 70 per cent said they would not be confident recognising the early warning signs of oesophageal cancer.
Reflecting on the 25 year milestone, OCF founder Noelle Ryan said that while progress has been extraordinary, public awareness must continue to improve. She said that when OCF began, oesophageal cancer was rarely discussed and many people were diagnosed too late. While there is far more hope today, she stressed that difficulty swallowing food or persistent heartburn should always be checked by a GP, and encouraged people in Louth to seek medical advice if they have concerns.
Professor John Reynolds, National Lead for Oesophageal Cancer and a board member of OCF, said the charity has played a significant role in improving outcomes for patients. He noted that from the beginning, OCF focused on raising awareness of red flag symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, while also supporting vital research and patient education. More recently, the focus has expanded to prevention and the importance of not ignoring severe or chronic reflux, which can be linked to Barrett’s oesophagus, the main risk factor for oesophageal cancer.
Prevention is now a cornerstone of care through Ireland’s Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry and Biobank, funded by OCF and Research Ireland. The registry includes almost 10,000 patients and enables clinicians to monitor progression, intervene early and in many cases prevent cancer from developing. Around 800 patients with pre-cancer or very early stage cancer have been treated through the programme to date, achieving a 100 per cent cure rate.
OCF patron and professional golfer Padraig Harrington also highlighted the importance of early action. He said that delays in seeking medical advice can make a real difference and urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing food, persistent heartburn or hiccups to get them checked, even if only for peace of mind.
Lollipop Day will take place on 27 and 28 February, with schools, communities, and businesses across Ireland raising funds to support research, patient services, and education.
