Oesophageal cancer is cancer of the oesophagus also known as the gullet or food pipe.
Ireland has approximately 500 new cases of Oesophageal Cancer annually — one of the highest rates in Europe. More so than with many other cancers, the early signs of Oesophageal Cancer are easy to overlook. Many people could be tempted to dismiss what can seem to be digestive complaints,..
Early detection of Oesophageal Cancer is vital, and OCF works to promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of Oesophageal Cancer.
When abnormal (or bad) cells develop in the lining of the lower end of the oesophagus, it is not cancer, but a pre-cancerous condition known as Barrett’s Oesophagus.
A small number of people (less than 1%) with Barrett’s Oesophagus may go on to develop cancer.
The main cause of Barrett’s Oesophagus is long-term persistent, severe or chronic acid reflux, which can inflame the oesophagus.
Any cancer diagnosis can be a worrying and daunting time for any patient and their loved ones. Your journey will be as individual as you are.
At such a sensitive time it can be hard to get your head around it all, so remember you’re fully supported by a team of medical professionals who will collaborate closely to help you on your journey inside the hospital walls, as well as a dedicated team of nurse specialists to enhance your post-surgery-recovery.
Each stage of this journey can bring its own challenges, it can be a lonely, stressful and isolating time. It’s important to think holistically, and to safeguard your nutritional, physical and psychological wellbeing as well as your overall outlook.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund’s fundraising efforts have supported a number of different research projects and programmes that are on the very cutting edge of research into Oesophageal Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
If you would like to find out more information on the research we have funded and our current research commitments and plans this can be found in the Patient Support & Resources & Research Section of our website.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus or Oesophageal cancer, you may want to find out more and access our Information and Resources.
Whatever stage you’re at, from diagnosis, starting treatment to post-surgery to longer-term recuperation and recovery strategies, the most important thing to know is you are not alone. Some of the information may be useful to you can find here.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund’s fundraising efforts have supported a number of different research projects and programmes that are on the very cutting edge of research into Oesophageal Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
If you would like to find out more information on the research we have funded and our current research commitments and plans this can be found in the Patient Support & Resources & Research Section of our website.
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund is the national charity for Oesophageal Cancer in Ireland. Bringing the good fight to a bad cancer. The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) was founded on a challenge from Lucilla Hyland, a young woman diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in 2001 who sadly lost her hard fought battle.
Lucilla envisioned that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer receives the earliest and best support and treatment possible. Lucilla wanted there to be better awareness of Oesophageal Cancer – the risks and symptoms – to deliver early diagnosis and successful treatments.
Lucilla Hyland laid down a challenge and we are unwavering in our determination to deliver, so that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer gets the earliest and best support and treatment possible. This is the Vision of The Oesophageal Cancer Fund. The Oesophageal Cancer Fund works in partnership with patients, families, clinicians, researchers, and other support and advocacy organisations this is our Mission.
There are a great number of ways that you can choose to get involved with The Oesophageal Cancer Fund; volunteering of your time and energy is a way to do this, it genuinely means so much to us. For example, volunteers are hands down the key reason Lollipop Day – our national fundraising days are consistently successful.
Your help is far-reaching. By choosing to volunteer your time, however possible for you, you’re joining us in our vision that everyone affected by Oesophageal Cancer gets the earliest and best support and treatment possible..
Though we have a very small core team, a lot of our work in the community is carried out by dedicated volunteers, our own team of true everyday heroes. If you have time and energy to give to this most worthy cause, consider volunteering — your involvement can be scaled up or down with your availability, and the specific role tailored to your own unique talents and areas of interest.
“I had been suffering from pain and discomfort in my chest when I heard OCF patron Pádraig Harrington on the radio talking about his father who had passed away from Oesophageal Cancer.
He mentioned his father’s symptoms and that he used to take medication for acid reflux. That really struck a chord with me. If I hadn’t heard Padraig that day, I might not have done anything for six months, or even a year.
I could have just put off the discomfort as indigestion. I was lucky that my Oesophageal Cancer was detected early.