A NATIONAL campaign to raise awareness of stomach and oesophagus cancer is being backed in west Cheshire.

The campaign runs to the end of February, raises awareness of symptoms and is aimed at men and women aged over 50.

Symptoms could include having heartburn most days for three weeks or more, food sticking when you swallow, losing weight for no apparent reason, trapped wind and frequent burping, feeling full very quickly when eating, feeling bloated after eating, nausea or vomiting or pain or discomfort in the upper tummy area.

Fiona Reynolds, director of public health for Cheshire West and Chester, said: “If you notice any of the symptoms, tell your doctor straight away.

“It might not be anything serious but if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

"Even if you’re taking medicine that seems to help, you still need to see your doctor if you have had heartburn for most days.

“You are certainly not wasting anyone’s time by getting your symptoms checked out.

"If something else is causing your symptoms, you need to find out for sure. Make that trip to your doctor’s surgery.

“If it’s nothing to worry about, you will set your mind at rest. If it is cancer, detecting it early will make it easier to treat.

"The message is simple – seeing your doctor without delay could save your life.”