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"Father's Misdiagnosis: Acid Reflux Turns Out to Be Oesophageal Cancer"
Zack Van Aardes initial misdiagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease led to a shocking cancer diagnosis, highlighting the critical need for accurate medical evaluations when symptoms escalate.
- In early 2024, Zack Van Aarde, 41, began experiencing heartburn and indigestion, leading to a misdiagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease and treatment with medication.
- The situation escalated dramatically in July 2025, when Zacks wife, Jess, found him collapsed and vomiting blood, a condition known as hematemesis, prompting immediate hospitalization.
- At Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, doctors confirmed that Zacks symptoms were caused by esophagus cancer, ultimately requiring treatment that included chemotherapy.
Why It Matters
This case underscores the importance of thorough medical assessments, as misdiagnoses can lead to severe consequences like cancer, emphasizing the need for vigilance in healthcare practices.