“I am writing this letter in support of the OPA. The association is a key organisation supporting patients with oesophageal cancer and raising awareness of this disease. Oesophageal cancer has a poor survival in the United Kingdom which it is one of the poorest in Europe. The patients benefit immensely from the Oesophageal Patient Association’s support groups and from the publications of the association which play a key role in informing patients about the disease and the expected recovery and survival rates. With the improvement in outcome in oesophageal surgery there is more need to support the survivors which is a key mission of the OPA The research also benefit from the OPA as patient and public engagement is a key component of the National Institute of Health Research application; it is a key part of the application to get the support of the association and patients in the research design and conduction. Supporting the OPA is crucial for patients, clinicians and research to improve the outcomes of oesophageal cancer.“- Professor George Hanna PhD FRCS MErgS, Head of Division of Surgery & Consultant Surgeon, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College, London
“After being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer – I was advised to contact the OPA. It was a very unsettling time for me and my family with lots of questions entering my head each day. The OPA was able to give reassurance about the treatment process and offered practical advice such as putting on weight before my operation. It was good to talk to a friendly voice who had been through the experience and to know I could contact them at any time. The information sent out to me was very reassuring.”- Paul
“Next Sunday (23rd April) I will be running the London marathon. This year I would like to raise money for the OPA (The Oesophageal Patients Association), a charity which offers patients/carers valuable support and advice regarding oesophageal cancer. Sadly my brave, beautiful dad has been diagnosed with this hideous disease and the process so far has been overwhelming and quite unbearable. The amazing OPA (particularly Rick!) have given much of their time offering invaluable advice from swallowing difficulties right through to insightful advice regarding surgery. I really cannot express how incredible it has been to have them to hand. If you would like to make a donation I would be so very grateful as would the OPA. Aside from offering advice the OPA work hard to raise awareness and highlight the symptoms of oesophageal cancer as early diagnosis of this dreadful disease is key.”- Louise Letman