Approx half of patients can receive curative therapy

~ Don’t Lolly Around … Support Lollipop Day ~

Survival rates and outcomes for oesophageal cancer have improved significantly over the last five years, according to leading Irish consultants. If oesophageal cancer is diagnosed early enough approximately half of patients can receive curative therapy. The eight annual Lollipop Day organised by the Oesophageal Cancer Fund will take place on Friday, February 27th 2009 and Saturday, 28th 2009 when thousands of volunteers will sell Lollipops nationwide to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer.

The number of new patients with oesophageal cancer is increasing in Ireland, a trend also observed across Europe and North America. Recent research also shows there is undoubtedly some connection with diet and obesity. There are strong links with chronic acid indigestion or reflux, and genetic factors may also be important.

“The importance of being proactive about gastrointestinal health cannot be understated. Any difficulty with swallowing needs urgent attention. People with chronic or very severe acid indigestion should discuss this with their GP, at minimum to have it treated effectively, and in some cases to have a test to make sure that the oesophagus is healthy. This advice particularly applies to men over the age of 40,” according to Professor John Reynolds of St James Hospital.

Risk factors :
• Age, people between the ages of 40 – 45 years old need to be particularly vigilant
• More common in men
• Barrett’s oesophagus (long-term regurgitation of acid)
• Use of tobacco;
• Long history of chronic heartburn
• Heavy alcohol use
• Obesity, increased incidence in obese patients

Together oesophageal and stomach cancer are the second commonest cause of cancer death after lung cancer and ahead of bowel and breast cancer. Early diagnosis remains the key to prevention. In certain types of oesophageal cancer, there can be as many as 8:1 male to female patients.

“Traditionally men in Ireland aren’t the most upfront about visiting the doctor. Given the severity of oesophageal cancer, I believe that men, in particular need to be more vigilant, to ensure they are never in any doubt about their health,” said Irish Golf Star, Padraig Harrington, lending his support to Lollipop Day 2009.

The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) recently pledged up to €500,000 over three years for research into Oesophageal Cancer and have established a scientific board to adjudicate submissions for national multi-centre, collaborative, clinical research into any aspect of Oesophageal care.

“Our commitment to funding clinical research is a testament to the calibre of research that is currently taking place into oesophageal cancer in Ireland. Irish researchers are leading the field. Developments in areas of diet related changes are especially crucial at a time when obesity is a major issue for Irish people,” said Noelle Ryan, Chairperson of the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.

For further information contact:
Anne-Marie Curran, Drury Communications, Tel: 01 260 5000, Mob: 087 286 4079
Myra Mc Auliffe, Drury Communications, Tel : 01 260 5000, Mob: 086 191 3919

Note to editors :

Main symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer :
• food ‘sticking’ on swallowing (dysphagia);
• unexpected weight loss (which may precede dysphagia);
• the new onset dyspepsia in the over 50 year old

Since 2002, awareness for the OCF and Lollipop day has grown year on year and to date over €1.3 million euro has been raised by the OCF. Funding levels have tripled over the years 2001 to 2008. Funds raised by the OCF are used to promote research into oesophageal cancer.

Fact sheets and posters for display in surgery waiting rooms containing information on Oesophageal Cancer have also been circulated to General Practitioners and Pharmacists nationwide.

Visit www.lollipopday.com for more information on Lollipop Day 2009 and the Oesophageal Cancer Fund.