Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer awareness event
University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist’s bring together health professionals and local cancer support group members to raise cancer awareness.
The Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) team held a three day long event in the Atrium at Royal Stoke last week, promoting the pathway and signs and symptoms of both cancers with the aim of increasing awareness.
Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe), while gastric cancer is cancer of the stomach. Both are digestive cancers that can be difficult to diagnose early.
The CNS team follow patients through investigations, treatment and continue to be the patient’s keyworker and point of contact throughout their treatment and care.
As there isn’t a screening programme for oesophageal or gastric cancers, the team joined forces with all different services that a patient could meet during the cancer pathway including Macmillan, Endoscopy, Douglas MacMillan, St Giles hospice, Swallows support group, Disability Solutions, Dietitians, Radiotherapy and Cancer Psychology.
Around 9,300 people are diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer each year in the UK and is the 14th most common cancer in adults.
Sarah Mounsey, Macmillan Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer clinical nurse specialist, said: “The event was really successful and was a great opportunity to show how we work alongside a number of different teams, working collaboratively for our patients. It gave us the opportunity to offer advice and support to many patients and carers, not just about symptoms related to oesophageal and gastric cancers but other concerns, such as financial support.
“We were overwhelmed with the offers of support we had from many different specialities across UHNM, the ICB and West Midlands Cancer Alliance. It was great to have the endoscopy team join us for example, as their demonstrations reassured some people of what the investigation looked like, reducing anxiety.
“By raising awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal and gastric cancers, we are hoping that patients will present to the GP if they notice any unusual symptoms. This will hopefully lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. We are really excited about the future of our team and service we would encourage anyone wanting to learn more about OG cancers and treatments to contact the specialist nursing team on 74695.”
If you are looking to find out more information you can chat to the team at County Hospital on Monday 10 March outside the outpatients department.
