Man diagnosed with cancer dismissed symptoms as heartburn

A dad of one has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer after dismissing the symptoms as heartburn.

John Wardman, 60, had experienced acid reflux and heartburn for several years and frequently relied on Gaviscon to manage the discomfort.

The businessman said he just assumed the symptoms were simply something he had to live with and continued to use over-the-counter treatments whenever they arose - usually after drinking wine or eating spicy food.

But after he began waking at night choking and suffering from chest pains, he decided to see his doctor, who urgently referred him for investigation.

"The care I've received has been exceptional and I have complete trust in the NHS team supporting me."

Mimi McCord, founder of Heartburn Cancer UK, said: "Many people live with heartburn for years and simply manage it with over-the-counter remedies like Gaviscon or Rennie.

"They often don't realize that persistent heartburn or acid reflux can sometimes be a warning sign of something more serious.

"Esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the U.K., yet awareness of the symptoms is still very low.

"That's why stories like John's are so important. If heartburn or reflux keeps coming back, particularly for three weeks or more, it's important to speak to your GP rather than continuing to self-medicate."

The NHS says symptoms of esophageal cancer can include: having problems swallowing (dysphagia), feeling or being sick, heartburn or acid reflux, symptoms of indigestion, such as burping a lot.

Other symptoms include a cough that is not getting better, a hoarse voice, loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to, feeling tired or having no energy and pain in your throat or the middle of your chest, especially when swallowing.

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This story was originally published April 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM.