Your endoscopy, biopsy, scans and investigations will be discussed at the Upper GI Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting in the Northern Trust and also at the regional MDT meeting in the Belfast Trust.

The MDT is a well-established group of specialists comprising of doctors, nurses, radiographers and other healthcare professionals who are specialists in oesophageal and stomach cancer.

The MDT will take into account a number of factors, when advising you of the best course of action, including your general health, the type and size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

A member of the team will discuss your diagnosis with you and explain the decision from the MDT discussion.

If you are diagnosed with oesophageal or stomach cancer in the Northern Trust you will meet a specialist Macmillan upper GI cancer clinical nurse specialist (CNS). The CNS can provide you with relevant information and offer emotional and practical support. The nurse will be your keyworker (your main point of contact), will answer your questions and offer written information about your cancer, investigations, treatment or symptoms.

The Macmillan GI Dietitian can support and advise you regarding your diet, changes to weight and liaise with your General Practitioner about nutritional supplements if required.