February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month and there are a number of things happening at QEHB to raise awareness of the disease.

Mr Ewen Griffiths, consultant upper gastrointestinal surgeon, has written an article about how oesophageal cancer patients are supported at QEHB. He says: “Oesophageal cancer is a devastating cancer which usually affects the lower oesophagus. Unfortunately it usually presents late when curable treatment options are limited. Therefore, catching the cancer at its earliest stage is of the upmost priority.” You can read the full article via the link at the bottom of this page.

Additionally, on Thursday 22 February, the Macmillan upper GI and sarcoma nurses will be hosting an information stand in the main atrium of the hospital. They will be talking about what support is available for patients before , during and after oesophageal and gastric cancers, promoting services they can provide to patients and workshops they or their families can attend. They will also have information about what symptoms you should look out for and nutritional requirements for patients.

But it isn’t just staff who are helping to raise awareness.

Visual artist Anne Guest has been hosting workshops with some of Mr Griffiths’ patients, with the aim of creating a permanent piece of art for the hospital. A Turn for the Better is a collaborative project between Anne, Ewen and patients recovering from treatment and surgery for oesophageal or gastric cancer, and their carers and relatives. You can read more about the project by visiting the link at the bottom of this page.

QEHB also boasts an active support group for patients with the disease. The Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer Patient Support Group was formed to offer support to patients with oesophageal or gastrointestinal cancer and their families or carers.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is a specialist centre for the treatment of oesophageal and gastric cancer. The hospital has specialist surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists and other specialists who are experts in treating this type of cancer.

For more information on oesophageal cancer, visit the websites via the links below.