Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe, with over 400 cases being diagnosed here every year.

This figure is expected to increase to 800 per year by 2040.

However according to the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF), if caught early enough, the disease has a high cure rate and this often involves innovative treatment that is less severe than chemotherapy or surgery.

In fact, if detected in its earliest stage, the cure rate is around 90%. If the disease is localised to the oesophagus and the lymph glands are unaffected, the cure rate is around 70%.

Meanwhile, if the cancer is localised to the oesophagus and surrounding lymph glands, the cure rate is around 40%. Just 10 years ago, the cure rate at this stage was only 20%.

However, the overall five-year survival rate remains low at 15%, emphasising the importance of catching this disease early.

The OCF is attempting to raise awareness of the importance of early detection as part of its annual fundraiser, Lollipop Day, which takes place on February 28 and March 1.

The event is calling on the public to become more aware of the symptoms of the disease. It urges anyone with swallowing difficulties to attend their GP without delay. People who are suffering with chronic or severe persistent reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, should also attend their GP.

Risk factors for the disease include smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity and age - people aged 40-45 need to be particularly vigilant.

"It is very heartening to see a steady improvement in Irish people's awareness of this cancer and the progress in the cure rate. More and more people know that if they're experiencing symptoms such as long-term heartburn or reflux they should go to their doctor," noted OCF chairperson, Noelle Ryan.

Ms Ryan thanked the support of volunteers, ‘all of whom make Lollipop Day a success every year'.

Last year's event raised over €297,000, bringing to almost €2.4 million the amount that has been raised by the OCF since its establishment in 2002. This money is used to fund oesophageal cancer research in Ireland.

Volunteers will be selling lollipops nationwide for €2 and posters and fact sheets will be on display in GP waiting rooms and pharmacies. For more information, click here