When Dave Chuter, 71, from Bognor Regis, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer twenty years ago in 2006, he was told that without surgery, he had just six to nine months to live.

“It was one of those decisions you haven’t got a choice to make,” Dave says. “I had to go for it.”

Today, Dave remains cancer-free and is a passionate patient advocate, supporting others who are facing the condition. Determined to raise awareness, Dave is sharing his experience of oesophageal cancer as one of the guest speakers at an upcoming free online webinar hosted by Guts UK, the national charity for the digestive system.

The webinar, named Getting to Grips with Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Cancer, has been sponsored by one of the UK’s leading pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca*, and takes place on Thursday, February 19, from 5.30pm to 6.45pm. The session, which will be held online via Zoom, is designed to provide clear, accessible information, bringing together clinical expertise, current research and real-life patient experience. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required and places are limited.

Oesophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer worldwide. It is also one of the six less survivable cancers, with an average five-year survival rate of just 16%. Early detection can make a significant difference, yet many people, like Dave, initially dismiss symptoms such as persistent heartburn or reflux.

Dave was diagnosed with both Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer at the age of 52, after years of heartburn, reflux and indigestion that he believed were just part of everyday life. “Like most people, I thought it was normal,” he explains.

It wasn’t until he began struggling to swallow food that alarm bells rang. Following an urgent referral and endoscopy (a thin tube with a small camera on the end inserted via the mouth), Dave was diagnosed and told he needed major surgery. “Back then, I was one of the youngest patients they’d seen. The tumour was at the junction of my stomach, and it was at a size where they could go straight in with surgery. The consultants told me it was a 10-hour operation with big risks.”

The surgery removed most of Dave’s oesophagus and 80% of his stomach, fundamentally changing how he eats, socialises and lives day to day.

Dave visited the University of Cambridge to meet with Dr Maria Alcolea, a cancer researcher dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

“Eating now is a lot different. I have to graze throughout the day, having five or six small meals instead of the usual three. Socialising has been one of the hardest parts. It’s tough when you’re the one with a small starter while everyone else enjoys a three-course dinner. You don’t realise how hard socialising becomes until you actually can’t do it.”

As the only UK charity funding research into the whole digestive system, Guts UK is committed to amplifying the voices of people living with digestive conditions and symptoms. Its work focuses on funding life-changing research, providing trusted patient information and support, and delivering public education events like this webinar. The charity is also a founding member of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, working to increase five-year survival rates from 16% to 28% by 2029.

The Guts UK webinar will explain what Barrett’s oesophagus is, who it affects, and how it is diagnosed, monitored and treated. It will also explore oesophageal cancer in more detail, including different types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, with a particular focus on the type of oesophageal cancer that can develop from Barrett’s oesophagus.

The event is aimed at people diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer, their friends, family members and carers, people experiencing digestive symptoms such as heartburn or reflux, and anyone who would like to learn more, including healthcare professionals.

Dave’s contribution offers a powerful reminder of why awareness matters. “A lot of people wish they had been diagnosed earlier,” he says. “Raising awareness about symptoms, encouraging people to get checked, and educating people about early signs can all make a difference.”

To sign up visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/getting-to-grips-with-barretts-oesophagus-and-oesophageal-cancer-tickets-1979982416708?utm-campaign

Note: AstraZeneca has not influenced the content, speakers or format of the webinar in any way. All content has been developed and approved solely by Guts UK.