Surgeon backs drive to detect upper GI cancers

Apr 28 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A FORMER plastic surgeon who retired to Dunkeld, yesterday added his backing to an NHS Tayside campaign to encourage the early detection of gullet and stomach cancers.

Michael Gipson (71) who worked as a consultant in Liverpool before moving to the Highland Perthshire town with his wife Mary, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus nine years ago.

But after successful treatment, he is now enjoying a happy retirement and keen to spread the message that early detection saves lives.

He told the PA: “I was a surgeon in Liverpool until I retired in 1998 and for several years I had quite bad indigestion and heartburn.

“I eventually went to see a colleague who suggested we do an endoscopy.”

Mr Gipson was diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus, a chronic condition which sees stomach acid seep into the gullet, and can often lead to cancer.

“Once Barrett’s is diagnosed, they usually advise a yearly gastroscopy, but because I didn’t particularly like the procedure – which had previously been done without anaesthetic – I left it for a couple of years,” continued Mr Gipson.

Eventually another colleague persuaded him to return for another gastroscopy, this time with sedation.

“He told me that he always sedated his patients otherwise they were unlikely to return for their yearly check-up!

“My colleague said the results were looking a bit suspicious and recommended that I had things checked out when I retired to Scotland a few months later.”

Mr Gipson was then referred to Mr Sami Shimi, Upper GI Consultant Surgeon at Ninewells. Numerous biopsies and scans revealed an ulcer which turned out to be cancerous.

This was successfully treated with surgery and because it was detected at a relatively early stage, no chemo or radiotherapy were required.

Mr Gipson’s comments coincide with NHS Tayside’s first gullet and stomach cancer awareness week to raise awareness of early warning symptoms.

Approximately 1700 people are diagnosed with oesophageal (gullet) or gastric (stomach) cancer in Scotland every year.

In Tayside, 240 people were newly diagnosed with gastric oesophageal cancers last year and gullet cancer is on the increase in Tayside.

These cancers often present late, so seeing your GP early if you have any concerns can be life-saving. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly increases people’s chances of survival, recovery and a better quality of life.

Anyone experiencing any the early warning symptoms should go along to their GP to discuss them and if necessary get them checked out. The symptoms to look out for are;

lPersistent indigestion despite medication.

lLoss of appetite for no apparent reason.

lDifficulty in swallowing, unintentional significant weight loss.

lPersistent nausea and/or vomiting

lUnexplained physical tiredness.

Many of these symptoms are common to conditions other than cancer and most people who see their doctor with these symptoms will not have cancer. However, it is important to have them checked so that further tests can be done if necessary.

Mr Sami Shimi, Upper GI Consultant Surgeon at Ninewells, says: “The National Association of Upper Gastro Intestinal (GI) Surgeons decided to start an annual awareness week to raise awareness among the public of the symptoms of upper GI cancers.

“By raising awareness it is hoped that more people will come forward for assessment and an earlier diagnosis will be achieved, therefore resulting in a better prognosis for the patient.

“If people are experiencing any of the symptoms they should not panic as it may not be serious but it is important that they go along to their GP, discuss their symptoms and get checked out.”

There are certain risk factors for gullet and stomach cancer. These include:

lAge – it is more common in people over the age of 45.

lSmoking.

lDrinking a lot of alcohol.

lLong-standing acid reflux from the stomach (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD).

lBarrett’s oesophagus.

A healthy diet with lots of fruit and green vegetables should help reduce the risk.

There are also certain risk factors specific to stomach cancer. These are:

lLong term infection of the stomach lining with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

lPernicious anaemia.

lGender – stomach cancer is twice as common in men than women.

lIf part of your stomach was removed in the past for any reason, for example, to treat a stomach ulcer or some other condition.

Members of the Upper Gastric Intestinal team were in the concourse of Ninewells at the weekend offering advice to anyone wanting to learn more. For more information on gullet or stomach cancer visit www.cancerbackup.co.uk