When it comes to our health, sometimes the signals our bodies send us can be misleadingly benign. In rare cases, what might seem like a common discomfort could be a harbinger of something far more serious. This was the case for Cheryle Brandon, a 51-year-old criminal law advisor from Surrey, who mistook her persistent indigestion and swallowing difficulties for acid reflux, only to discover she was dealing with a deadly form of cancer.


In April 2022, Ms Brandon began experiencing what she believed to be signs of acid reflux. In this condition, stomach juices travel back towards the throat, causing discomfort and a burning sensation. After visiting her GP, she was prescribed omeprazole, a medication designed to reduce stomach acid production. While initially effective, the relief was short-lived, and her symptoms returned with increased severity.


By November, Ms Brandon found it challenging to swallow meat, often leading to choking episodes. Rather than seeking further medical advice, she adapted her diet to circumvent the issue, opting for softer foods like wheat biscuits, ice cream, and yoghurts. It wasn't until she underwent an endoscopy—a procedure where a camera is inserted down the throat to inspect the stomach—that the grim reality was revealed: a 6cm tumour was growing on her oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.


The diagnosis was as dire as it was shocking. The cancer was inoperable due to its proximity to her heart, and Ms Brandon was told she likely had only a few months to live. 'They were saying months,' she recounted, a statement that would prompt anyone to confront their mortality head-on. In February 2023, she began chemotherapy with the hope of combating the cancer, though doctors cautioned her to prepare for the worst.

The toll of the treatment on Ms. Brandon's body was severe. Once a size 16, she dropped to a size 10 due to her inability to eat properly, necessitating the fitting of a feeding tube. Despite the odds, a scan in June brought unexpected news: the CT scan showed no signs of cancer. Initially sceptical, Ms Brandon was assured by the oncology team that the results were accurate—there was no trace of the disease that had nearly claimed her life.

Now, Ms. Brandon is using her experience to urge others to take similar symptoms seriously and seek medical attention promptly. Oesophageal cancer, named as one of the six 'least survivable' cancers, claims the lives of over half of the approximately 9,300 patients diagnosed each year within the first 12 months. Early detection is crucial, as survival rates plummet when the cancer is found in later stages.


Ms Brandon's initial symptoms were deceptively mild, resembling a bad cold or the sensation of eating too quickly. However, potential symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include problems swallowing, persistent nausea, heartburn or acid reflux, excessive burping, an ongoing cough, changes in voice, loss of appetite, pain while swallowing, and in rare cases, coughing up blood or black stools.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms, wildly unexpected weight loss or heartburn over three weeks should contact their GP. While such symptoms are more likely to be caused by a different condition, getting checked out is essential—the earlier the cancer is found, the more treatable it is.
Cheryle Brandon's story is a stark reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and not dismissing persistent health issues. Her newfound perspective on life, shaped by her battle with cancer, emphasizes humility and appreciation for every day. Let her experience be a lesson to us all: when in doubt, seek medical advice. It could very well save your life.