Britons suffering from frequent heartburn will soon have access to a revolutionary cancer test right at their local high street pharmacies. The pioneering “sponge on a string” test is part of a new NHS pilot program designed to identify Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that can lead to oesophageal cancer, which claims over 8,000 lives annually in the UK.
NHS England has announced that numerous pharmacies across the country will begin offering “heartburn health checks” to detect this early warning sign. Barrett’s oesophagus often develops in individuals experiencing persistent heartburn or acid reflux, making early detection critical.
The test involves swallowing a small capsule attached to a thread. Once it reaches the stomach, the capsule expands into a sponge about the size of a penny. After a few minutes, the sponge is gently pulled back up, collecting cells from the lining of the oesophagus. These cells are then analyzed in a laboratory to check for any pre-cancerous changes.
READ MORE: RNLI Lifeguards Rescue 10 Swimmers from Sudden Rip Current at Perranporth Beach
READ MORE: UK Heatwave Alert: West Country to Reach 30°C by July 28
Previously available only in hospitals and diagnostic centers, this non-invasive test reduces the need for endoscopies, reserving those appointments for higher-risk patients. By offering the test in pharmacies, the NHS hopes to increase accessibility and encourage more people to get tested conveniently while shopping.
Pharmacists will play a vital role by identifying individuals who regularly purchase over-the-counter remedies for heartburn or reflux but may not have consulted a GP. Working alongside Boots and Cyted Health, a gastrointestinal diagnostics company, the NHS plans to launch a pilot early next year. This program will offer 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands the option of an on-site test at pharmacies or referrals to nearby community clinics.
The two-year pilot will undergo independent evaluation, and its outcomes will determine whether the test is rolled out nationwide. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Cancer Director, stated, “The NHS is catching more cancers earlier than ever before. This new pilot brings a convenient test to where people shop, making it easier than ever for patients to check any worrying signs or symptoms.”
He added that for most people with persistent reflux, these quick checks will provide reassurance that they are not at increased cancer risk. For those diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus, regular monitoring will be arranged to detect any further cellular changes early.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux affects about 20% of the population. While common, persistent symptoms might indicate Barrett’s oesophagus. Early detection through this test can lead to treatments such as endoscopic removal of abnormal cells or radiofrequency ablation.
Each year, nearly 10,000 Britons are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, with 80% detected at late stages when survival rates are significantly lower. The disease predominantly affects older adults, more commonly men, and risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Anyone experiencing persistent heartburn or other related symptoms is encouraged to consult their GP promptly.