Oesophageal cancer deaths rise by 50%, report says

Deaths from oesophageal cancer have risen by almost 50% in the last 40 years, according to Cancer Research UK.

It also found that far more men die from the disease than women - possibly due to lifestyle factors and slower detection rates.

The charity is urging anyone with persistent heartburn and difficulty swallowing to get their symptoms checked out.

Dr Julie Sharp, from Cancer Research UK, told BBC Radio 5 live's Morning Reports: "We really need all round greater awareness, better ways of testing for the disease and much better ways of treating it too."