Oesophageal Cancer

my husband presented at GP with swallowing problems. Despite being 70+, smoker and weight loss, GP thought asphagea most likely and referred for non urgent swallow test. Before test performed swallowing became more difficult, at which point acid reflux tablet prescribed, despite swallowing problem which meant they could not be taken. We were lucky enough to be able to afford to have swallow test and barium swallow xrays done privately, very quickly. Private consultant stated he needed urgent referral back into NHS for further tests. Whilst awaiting action from our GP who had also advised go to a&e if things got bad, things did indeed worsten, husband on mainly liquid diet by this point. I took him to A&E, the hospital in Colchester were wonderful, kept him in hospital until they were able to pinpoint the cancer and he was lucky to be able to have surgery to remove a stage 3 cancer (surgery took place at Broomfield hospital where specialty team Located). Once on the cancer care pathway, care was excellent, there were specialist nursing team and dieticians at both hospitals we could contact for help as needed. Consultant teams were approachable and obviously knowledgeable. He is now recovering.

I think the biggest issue is getting to see the GP and them taking it seriously enough. I would like to feel that there is continued learning at GP level, so that when they miss a diagnosis someone ensures that this is learnt from. I’m not convinced this happens in all practices.

I would like to see direct access for cancer diagnostic tests.