The NHS highlights that certain alarming cancer symptoms might manifest during or after meals. While many people might have encountered heartburn from eating too fast or consuming acidic foods, this discomfort can occasionally have a more serious underlying cause.

Heartburn, technically known as acid reflux, happens when stomach acid, and sometimes partially digested food, travel back into the oesophagus. The stomach lining is designed to handle acid, unlike the oesophagus, which leads to a burning feeling and irritation.

Triggers for heartburn include large, fatty, or spicy meals, as well as caffeine, alcohol, smoking, certain drugs, and reclining shortly after eating. Additionally, obesity raises the risk of heartburn.

Though over-the-counter medicines and lifestyle modifications can generally ease heartburn, there are instances where consulting a doctor is necessary. NHS guidance suggests seeing a GP if lifestyle changes and medications aren’t effective, if heartburn occurs almost daily, or if additional symptoms like food getting stuck, frequent vomiting, or unexplained weight loss are present.

Sometimes, heartburn can signal oesophageal cancer, with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, and excessive burping being red flags.