Health experts at the NHS have warned that a common symptom experienced after eating could be the “least-recognised” sign of cancer. They explained that 79% of Brits would not realise this could indicate a deadly disease.

A new survey conducted by NHS England found that many of the warning signs of cancer could easily be missed by the public. This includes heartburn and indigestion, which are relatively common side effects of overeating, eating too fast, or eating specific foods.

But heartburn that lasts three weeks or more could be an early sign of oesophageal cancer, which kills around 8,000 people in the UK every year.

On its website, the NHS explains that there are “many” possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be “hard to spot”.

The survey, which encompassed 2,000 people, showed that heartburn was the “least-recognised” cancer symptom, with eight in 10 people surveyed (79%) not identifying heartburn that lasts three weeks or more as a potential sign of cancer.

However, many other symptoms were also not widely recognised. The survey showed more than half (55%) did not recognise blood in your pee (even just once), nearly half (49%) did not recognise unexplained weight loss, and more than four in 10 people (42%) did not recognise an unexplained lump anywhere on the body as potential signs of cancer.

In an update, Professor Peter Johnson – the national NHS cancer director – said: “It is so important to know what is normal for you, although we all find a host of other things to think about rather than checking for any changes in our bodies. That’s why I want to encourage everyone to make it a part of your routine – finding a way that works for you might just save your life.

“If you do spot something worrying, get in touch with your GP surgery, who can investigate for you. It’s unlikely to be cancer, but if there is something wrong, the earlier it is found, the better the chance of treatment being successful.”

NHS England concluded by urging people to contact their GP practice if something in their body doesn’t feel right or they experience any of the signs or symptoms below:

• An unexplained lump anywhere on the body, a mole that changes colour or shape, or starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding, blood in your poo, blood in your pee – even just once, unexpected or unexplained bleeding, for example, blood when you cough, after sex, after the menopause or between periods
• For three weeks or more: a cough or a change in an existing cough, a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal, tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea, feeling tired and unwell and not sure why, heartburn or indigestion, unusual, pale or greasy poo, unexplained pain or discomfort, being bloated most day
• Breathlessness, frequent infections, unexplained night sweats, unexplained weight loss, unexpected or unexplained bruising.

Other potential symptoms of oesophageal cancer include having problems swallowing, feeling or being sick, a cough that is not getting better, a hoarse voice, loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to, feeling tired or having no energy, pain in your throat or the middle of your chest, especially when swallowing, and black poo or coughing up blood (although these are uncommon).

“While most changes are unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to get any new or worrying symptoms checked out by a GP as soon as possible so they can help rule cancer out,” NHS England addded. “Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.

“Thanks to advances in care and early detection and improved public awareness, the NHS is now diagnosing and treating more cancers than ever before at an earlier stage, with more people than ever surviving the disease.”