Heartburn health roadshow rolls into Tameside to raise awareness of cancer risks

Residents in Tameside are being encouraged to learn more about the dangers of persistent heartburn as a new NHS-backed Heartburn Health Roadshow arrives in the area this October.

The eye-catching mobile unit will be parked at Morrisons in Hyde (SK14 2NN) on Tuesday 14 October 2025, from 10:30am to 6pm. Locals are invited to drop in, pick up information, and chat with health professionals about ongoing heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux, as well as the early warning signs of oesophageal cancer, also known as cancer of the food pipe.

The roadshow, organised by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and national charity Heartburn Cancer UK, is visiting ten locations across Greater Manchester between 6 and 17 October 2025. Its mission is simple, to raise awareness that persistent heartburn lasting three weeks or more should never be ignored.

Oesophageal cancer is often described as a “hidden killer.” It is the seventh biggest cancer killer in the UK and the fourth most common cancer in men, despite ranking only 14th in overall incidence. Around 8,000 people die from the disease each year, often because symptoms are mistaken for minor digestive problems.

Dr James Britton, Early Diagnosis Clinical Lead for Oesophageal Cancer at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We want to raise awareness so people think seriously about persistent heartburn. Taking our mobile unit into communities will help us to do just that.

“Persistent heartburn can put patients at risk of oesophageal cancer, yet these symptoms are often overlooked. If you are over 55 years old and regularly rely on over-the-counter remedies or have had heartburn for three weeks or more, it’s important to speak to your GP – it could save your life.”

The team will also share information about Barrett’s oesophagus – a potentially precancerous condition that can sometimes lead to cancer of the oesophagus. Barrett’s can be monitored through regular testing and managed with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Fiona Labrooy, Chief Operating Officer at Heartburn Cancer UK, said the charity is eager to meet Tameside residents: “Our team is looking forward to welcoming people to the unit, so please do come over for a chat.

“We want to spread the word about how important it is to get untreated heartburn under control as a cancer prevention measure. If your symptoms continue for three weeks or more, speak to your GP. Self-medicating with products like Gaviscon or Rennie should only ever be a short-term fix.”

The campaign is also supported by David Jones Stanley, an operations director from Wigan who was diagnosed with stage 3 oesophageal cancer.

“When I was diagnosed, I never imagined how something as common as heartburn could be linked to something so serious,” David said.

“I want people to know that getting symptoms checked early really can make all the difference. Please don’t brush it off or keep reaching for remedies – pop into the roadshow, talk to the team, and most importantly, see your GP if heartburn sticks around. It could save your life.”

Visitors can collect information leaflets, learn about risk factors, and find out about new diagnostic tests such as the innovative capsule sponge test.

For more information about the roadshow and oesophageal cancer awareness, visit www.gmcancer.org.uk/heartburn-roadshow.