Oesophago-gastric cancer can be hard to diagnose as the signs and symptoms can indicate other more common and less serious conditions, such as heartburn and indigestion, which may lead to individuals to self-medicate prior to diagnosis. Community pharmacy is therefore often their first port of call. 

 

Pharmacists and their staff can play a vital role in the early detection of oesophago-gastric cancer by familiarising themselves with information about it and are well positioned to advise patients who may be experiencing symptoms to seek help from their GP. Pharmacists can also raise awareness among the public of the key signs and symptoms. The new quick reference guide provides all the information you need to give advice to patients. 

 

Our online resource for pharmacy based health campaigns, ipharmacist, also contains information for your patients.

 

An early detection of cancer page is also available for pharmacists seeking advice on oesophago-gastric, ovarian, bowel and lung cancer.