You should 'see a doctor' if you have 'persistent' throat sign, says oncologist

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Usually, a sore throat is a sign of a virus like a cold or even the flu. But if your throat is sore for more than four weeks and you're struggling to swallow, it could be time to speak to your GP.

The NHS says a consistent sore throat could indicate something more serious, and that sometimes it could even be a symptom of oesophageal cancer.

And this February is the perfect time to spread awareness for the disease, as we enter Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month.Dr Jason Chow, oncology expert at Cromwell Hospital, London, says: "A sore throat tends to be something that goes away on its own."However, persistent pain in your throat, which feels as though it's in the centre of your chest (or behind the breastbone), and difficulty swallowing, which is painful or a burning sensation, or food feeling as though it's sticking in your throat, are common symptoms of oesophageal cancer and you should speak to your doctor, especially if these symptoms don't go away."Oesophageal cancer often stays undercover until it's advanced, usually because its early symptoms are subtle, reports The Mirror.Julie Thompson, from the digestive health charity Guts UK, warns: "Oesophageal cancer can be difficult to spot, as it might not cause any symptoms until it causes an obstruction of food and drinks down the oesophagus, or until swallowing becomes painful."NHS figures reveal that 20 per cent of oesophageal cancer cases come to light in emergency settings like A&E, which signals that diagnoses are occurring too late, making the disease more difficult to treat.Dr Chow explains that approximately 9,000 people across the UK are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer every year.He says: "Unfortunately, there is no clear established screening programme, and