A SOUTHAMPTON charity has joined forces with international singing stars for a Be Clear on Cancer campaign, which runs until February 22.

Anyone having heartburn most days for three weeks or more should tell a doctor according to Barrett’s Wessex, the local support charity for anyone concerned by acid reflux and its possible consequences of the condition Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.

The charity have arranged many events throughout the month to raise awareness of the disease, including encouraging people to post photos of themselves on Facebook, pointing to their oesophagus, on World Cancer Day last week.

But the climax of the month is the gala concert at Turner Sims Concert Hall on Sunday, February 22, by the internationally acclaimed, Opera Babes, made up of singing duo, Rebecca Knight and Karen England, who were discovered busking in Covent Garden and became an overnight success, singing at the FA Cup Final and topping the classical music charts.

“The message is simple,” said Chris Robinson, chairman of the charity.

“Although most people experience heartburn occasionally, it’s not normal to experience it frequently. It can cause permanent damage to the oesophagus, which in some cases can progress to cancer.”

Chris knows what he’s talking about having discovered he had Barrett’s oesophagus himself 21 years ago: “Like most men, I thought it was normal, took antacids and didn't bother the doctor,” he said.

Daily Echo:

Chris Robinson

However, now he receives regular check-ups every few years to make sure it doesn’t progress. Oesophageal cancer is the fifth greatest cancer killer in the UK killing one person an hour on average.

Most of those deaths could be avoided if its pre-cursor, Barrett’s Oesophagus, was detected, the charity has claimed.

  •  For information go to: barrettswessex.org.uk