WINSFORD’S MP, Stephen O’Brien, attended a reception at the Palace of Westminster to show his support for efforts to tackle the relatively unknown oesophageal cancer.

The disease is one of the fastest rising cancers in men in the UK, with survival rates of only 1 in 10.

The Oesophageal Cancer Westminster Campaign (OCWC) organised the reception, aimed at raising awareness of a condition for which there are over 8,000 cases every year, but which remains relatively unknown by both the public, and healthcare professionals.

Acid reflux leading to heartburn could predispose to Barrett’s oesophagus and cancer.

However 70 per cent of cases of oesophageal cancer are heavily associated with a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus.

If patients undergo regular check-ups with the aim of detecting pre-cancerous changes amenable to treatment then should cancer develop it can be caught early and can improve five year survival to 50 per cent or more.

Mr O’Brien said: “I was keen to show my support for efforts to tackle this cancer and save lives. I want to see a public awareness campaign for oesophageal cancer.”