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 abroad as an electrician for a while, and upon returning to England, he didn’t even have a general practitioner.
When doctors ran tests for his persistent heartburn, they discovered that Ade had oesophageal cancer, which affects the food pipe. Tragically, despite beginning treatment immediately, he passed away just 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 signed up for the prototype of an innovative capsule sponge test through Heartburn Cancer UK and Cyted.
During the procedure, he swallowed a capsule that dissolves in the stomach, releasing a sponge to collect oesophageal cells for later examination.
The test results showed that Dave had Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that can develop into oesophageal cancer if left untreated.
Dave started receiving treatment and doctors monitor his condition.
“It’s such a relief to know Dave is being closely monitored. We’ve made lifestyle changes together, and we’re now more aware of the importance of keeping his health in check. Ade would be so happy to know that he helped Dave. At least something positive came from all his suffering,” Jenny said. She also mentioned that Dave had been experiencing heartburn, which turned out to be a warning sign, for more than 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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