He thought it was indigestion, but when he went to the doctor, he learned the truth: It turned out to be stage 4 cancer.

“I heard heavy breathing, went outside and saw Zack on the floor, vomiting blood. “I took him into the room so as not to scare the children and called an ambulance immediately,” said Jess Van Aarde. Van Aarde was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Doctors performed an endoscopy, suspecting a stomach ulcer, but the result was life-changing for the family: stage four esophageal cancer. “It was a complete shock, it was surreal. It was like being in a movie… I couldn’t believe this was happening to me,” said Van Aarde.

Esophageal cancer is a type of tumor that develops in the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. While the cause of the disease isn't always clear, it's known that those who experience prolonged and severe acid reflux are at increased risk. Doctors initially planned surgery, but due to the advanced stage, Van Aarde began chemotherapy. He undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks and has regular blood tests and scans. "Telling your children you have cancer is the hardest thing for a parent. But they are incredibly strong," says the father of two.

"Chemotherapy kills all cells, good and bad. We are exploring alternatives that will support cell regeneration. I am determined to do everything I can to give my family the best chance," says Van Aarde. Experts, however, caution that cancer patients should always consult their doctors before pursuing alternative treatment options. They note that the disease is often diagnosed in advanced stages because warning symptoms like heartburn and sore throat are often overlooked.

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Smoking, alcohol use, and obesity are also factors that increase the risk of the disease. In recent years, long-term use of acid-suppressing medications has also become a topic of debate. Experts warn that long-term reliance on these medications can weaken the digestive system and leave the body vulnerable to bacterial infections.