*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of oesophageal cancer

There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot.

They can affect your digestion, such as:

Other symptoms include:

If you have another condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, you may get symptoms like these regularly.

You might find you get used to them. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

you're being sick for more than 2 days
your poo is black or dark red
you have symptoms of oesophageal cancer you're worried about, but are not sure where to get help

you have problems swallowing
you've lost a noticeable amount of weight
you have heartburn most days that lasts for 3 weeks or more
you have symptoms of oesophageal cancer that get worse
you have a condition that causes digestion symptoms and they're not getting better with your usual treatments

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have oesophageal cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

The GP may feel your neck and tummy.

They might arrange for you to have a blood test.

The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

They may also refer you straight to hospital for a test to look inside your oesophagus.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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