What We Offer

We make no charge to patients or their families for any support and advice provided. The OPA can only maintain its vital service through Trust donations and other fundraising activities generated by the community it serves.

It costs the OPA substantial funds to keep vital services running, providing advice, support and practical help.

We produce many thousands of our booklets and leaflets as a valuable reference to NHS Trusts, Support Groups, Macmillan,  patients, carers and their families, as well as many other organisations and all of this is supplied free of charge, paid for by the OPA. We would be grateful for any donations you could make so we can continue to help those who need it – https://oldsite.opa.org.uk/donations/

Support Nationwide

The OPA has led the fight against oesophageal and gastric cancers for over 30 years. Our purpose is to support patients, their families and carers and raise awareness of these cancers and their prevention. Whatever stage you’re at the OPA is here to help you.

Zoom Online Support Meetings

By sharing experiences and discussing our issues and problems, we are often able to help each other overcome areas of common concern.

Zoom support meetings are held around the UK throughout the year, inevitably most patients attending these meetings have had, or are going to have surgery. The OPA’s aim is to help new patients, families and carers to cope with difficulties arising as a result of treatment, giving support and encouraging patients to achieve a good quality of life.

Our patient support meetings provide the opportunity for patients to meet former patients, carers, some of whom are leading relatively normal lives.

Zoom invites are sent electronically, if you would like to receive these  then please subscribe here.

Click here to view the Group Locations

One to One Support

We also offer patients the opportunity to be able to speak directly to a former patient and gain reassurance that life can again be very good.

From personal experience, we know that the first few weeks and months before and after treatment can be challenging.

Most patients find it helpful and encouraging to talk to someone who has experienced similar symptoms and has undergone the same course(s) of treatment. Our volunteers (all of whom are current or former patients themselves) are on hand and willing to offer you support, encouragement and reassurance.

Whilst The OPA does not offer counselling or medical advice, we offer general guidance and suggestions based on our own experiences. From questions to ask your GP, to tips on what to eat… plus a lot more.

We will be happy to put you in touch with someone local to talk to via a Zoom appointment or over the telephone. Please contact our Awareness and Cancer Support Helpline on:- 0121 704 9860 or by email: awareness@opa.org.uk or enquiries@opa.org.uk

Newsletters

Sign up for our twice yearly Newsletter with articles of interest and latest news of treatments. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to register.

Download and read our latest newsletters.

Booklets and Leaflets

Whether you have had surgery or not our medically approved booklets are available at no cost.

To download this literature visit our Download Page

Or visit the OPA Shop to order hard copies.

Dual Purpose Cards

Dual Purpose cards asking for a small portion of food due to a medical condition are available in English, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish.

For more information on our dual purpose cards download from our Download Page or go to the OPA Shop to order hard copies.