Jenny Mosley of Southampton lost her brother Ade due to oesophageal cancer in October 2018, just six months after the diagnosis. Years later, she noticed the same warning sign that her brother experienced prior to the diagnosis at her husband, Dave. Eventually, that led to saving Dave’s life.
Namely, Ade, who was 53 at the time of his passing, had been experiencing heartburn for quite some time. He, however, didn’t seek medical treatment and used over-the counter antacids to relive the symptoms.
He worked as an electrician overseas for some time, and when he returned to England, he didn’t even have a UK general practitioner.
After running tests for his heartburn, doctors discovered Ade had oesophageal cancer, which affects the food pipe. Sadly, despite receiving treatment right away, he passed away six months later.
Speaking of her brother, Jenny said, “It was heartbreaking to see him suffer.
“He was so brave, even when the treatment took such a heavy toll. We wish we had known more, sooner.
“Ade was always the life of the party.
“He was so full of energy and enthusiasm that it was hard to believe something so serious could be going on beneath the surface.”
Following her brother’s passing, Jenny urged her husband get help for the heartburn and test for the same type of cancer Ade was diagnosed with.
Dave registered for inventive capsule sponge test prototype with Heartburn Cancer UK and Cyted.
During the procedure, a swallowed capsule dissolves in the stomach releasing a sponge to collect oesophageal cells that are later examined.
The test results revealed Dave had Barrett’s oesophagus, which can turn into oesophageal cancer if not treated.
Dave started receiving treatment and doctors monitor his condition.
“It’s such a relief to know Dave is being monitored closely. We’ve made lifestyle changes together, and we’re more aware of the importance of staying on top of his health. Ade would be delighted to know that he has helped Dave. He would have been happy that, at least, something positive came out of all his suffering,” Jenny said. She added that Dave have been experiencing heartburn, which turned out to be a warning sign, for over eight years.
Fiona Labrooy, Heartburn Cancer UK’s Chief Operating Officer, spoke of the importance of not ignoring heartburn. “In our day-to-day work, we too often hear of the missed opportunities when people die or get very sick because they’ve ignored persistent heartburn or self-medicate for too long. And it’s always devastating,” she said.
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