The Heartburn Health Check has launched in Wales as part of the landmark BEST4 study, helping improve earlier detection of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.
Three inspiring runners are taking on the London Marathon 2026. Shay Cooper, Andy Harris and Ian Annis are running for deeply personal reasons, raising awareness of oesophageal cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Together, they are helping to share vital messages, honour loved ones and support life-saving awareness and research.
HCUK is working with 9Ways to share oesophageal cancer A=awareness material across pharmacies nationwide. Their support helps reach more people with vital information about persistent heartburn and the signs of oesophageal cancer, encouraging early action.
Health Technology Wales has recommended capsule sponge testing for early detection of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer in people with chronic reflux, helping identify those at higher risk and prioritise them for endoscopy.
Heartburn Cancer UK Founder Mimi McCord opened the CRUK Oesophagogastric Cancer Workshop, sharing the patient perspective on oesophageal cancer, the impact of late diagnosis, and why patient voices are vital to shaping research priorities and improving outcomes.
Heartburn Cancer UK is raising awareness this Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2026. We are working with cancer alliances across the UK, spreading the message that persistent heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, or swallowing difficulties aren’t normal – see your GP early, as early diagnosis can save lives.
We’re delighted to share that Mimi McCord, HCUK Founder and chair has been recognised at the 2025 Charity Heroes Awards.
Heartburn Cancer UK is delighted to announce that our Founder, Chair, and Trustee, Mimi McCord, has been nominated for Trustee of the Year at the Charity Heroes Awards 2025.
A former primary school teacher from Greater Manchester, Gill Kohler, who experienced a shock oesophageal cancer diagnosis, is urging people not to ignore persistent heartburn as she supports our awareness roadshow visiting Manchester this October 2026.
Heartburn Cancer UK’s ‘Don’t Swallow Your Discomfort’ campaign wins Bronze at the PMi Awards in pro bono partnership with Agency of the Year, Costello Medical.
HCUK and Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance’s Heartburn Roadshow to visit 10 locations across Manchester this October to raise awareness of heartburn and oesophageal cancer symptoms.
From early next year, the capsule sponge test, that helps detect oesophageal cancer at an early stage, will be available in Boots pharmacies across London and East Midlands as part of a major NHS pilot programme.
Heartburn Cancer UK is thrilled to celebrate Costello Medical – our creative partner behind the “Don’t Swallow Your Discomfort” campaign – as finalists in two categories at the PM Society PMi Awards 2025.
Heartburn Cancer UK is proud to announce a new partnership with FreeWills.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading online will-writing services.
Heartburn Cancer UK Teams Up with Hampshire FA to raise awareness of the dangers of persistent heartburn & its link to Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.
Peter Dixon, principal cellist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, is on an extraordinary mission to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer in memory of his beloved wife, Clara, who died in March 2023.
At the start of February, we had the honour of lighting up Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower in yellow and red to mark the launch of Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month. This stunning display, designed to look like a vibrant flame, carries a powerful message: not all heartburn is harmless.
2024 has been incredible for us at Heartburn Cancer UK. Lets look back on the highlights and the exciting plans we have for 2025.
A pivotal clinical trial, called BEST4, of a “pill-on-a-thread” capsule sponge test, which will decide if it becomes a new screening programme for Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer, has welcomed its first participants.
HCUK were delighted to attend the first Cambridge Symposium on Oesophageal Cancer. Fiona Labrooy, our COO, shares her thoughts on the day.
Heartburn Cancer UK Wins ‘Small Charity, Big Achiever’ at the Third Sector Awards for our Ground breaking #DemandingHope Campaign! The Third Sector Awards celebrate the tireless work of individuals and organisations driving transformative change in the non-profit sector, and we are incredibly proud to have been recognised for our efforts.
Following his 12-year tenure as a Heartburn Cancer UK Trustee, we are thrilled that Professor Tim Underwood has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Life Governor. Tim will continue to collaborate closely with the HCUK team to pursue progress and improved outcomes for oesophageal cancer patients.
HCUK is delighted to announce the appointment of Sheraz Markar as a new trustee. Sheraz is a Professor and Director of the Surgical Interventional Trials Unit at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences. Additionally, he serves as a Consultant Oesophago-Gastric Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded National Lottery Funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. This incredible funding will significantly enhance our efforts to support individuals with persistent heartburn, Barrett’s oesophagus, and Oesophageal cancer.
