{"id":249785,"date":"2025-07-09T04:12:18","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T04:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/249785\/"},"modified":"2025-07-09T04:12:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T04:12:18","slug":"new-sponge-cancer-test-to-be-trialled-in-high-street-pharmacies-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/249785\/","title":{"rendered":"New \u2018sponge\u2019 cancer test to be trialled in high-street pharmacies"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Hundreds of people experiencing persistent heartburn or acid reflux<\/a> will soon be offered a \u201csponge on a string<\/a>\u201d test in high-street pharmacies.<\/p>\n

NHS England<\/a> is piloting a new way of preventing oesophageal cancer by identifying individuals with a condition called Barrett\u2019s oesophagus, which occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the oesophagus or food pipe.<\/p>\n

Some cells may grow abnormally and then develop into oesophageal cancer.<\/p>\n

From early next year<\/a>, around 1,500 people in London<\/a> and the East Midlands<\/a> will participate in these new “heartburn health checks” to test for Barrett\u2019s oesophagus.<\/p>\n

During the test, the patient swallows a small capsule attached to a string. The capsule dissolves in the stomach and leaves a small sponge about the size of a 1p coin.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

A Cytosponge test is used to help diagnose oesophageal cancer (PA)<\/p>\n

The sponge is then pulled out via the string by NHS staff after a few minutes, during which time it collects cells from the oesophageal lining for analysis in the lab.<\/p>\n

This test is already used in hospitals and community diagnostic centres to help reduce the need for invasive endoscopies in Barrett\u2019s patients.<\/p>\n

During the pilot, pharmacists will work to spot patients who are regularly using over-the-counter medicines to ease their heartburn but who have not sought help from their GP.<\/p>\n

The pilot will run for two years before potentially being rolled out more widely.<\/p>\n

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, said the \u201cnew pilot brings a convenient test to where people shop, making it easier than ever for patients to check signs and symptoms that might be worrying them\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the majority of people with persistent reflux, these quick and easy heartburn health checks will provide peace of mind that you aren\u2019t at increased risk of cancer, and for those who do find out they have Barrett\u2019s oesophagus, regular follow-up checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

open image in gallery<\/p>\n

The NHS has partnered with Boots and diagnostics company Cyted Health for the pilot (PA)<\/p>\n

If pre-cancerous cells are found, treatment can be offered to remove the cells through endoscopy or a procedure known as radiofrequency ablation.<\/p>\n

Of almost 10,000 patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK each year, 80 per cent are diagnosed at a late stage.<\/p>\n

Only one in five people survive a year, meaning early diagnosis is crucial.<\/p>\n

Eddie, aged 77 from Suffolk, says the test may have saved his life after years of persistent heartburn.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cIt used to wake me up at night, but I always thought it was just one of those things.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo think that something as simple as swallowing a capsule could uncover a hidden risk is truly remarkable.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe test was quick, straightforward, and completely changed how I think about my health.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing I have Barrett\u2019s oesophagus meant I was prioritised, my condition was monitored, and as a result, my dysplasia (cell changes) was caught early.<\/p>\n

Main symptoms of oesophageal cancerNHS<\/p>\n

There are many possible symptoms of oesophageal cancer, but they might be hard to spot.<\/p>\n

They can affect your digestion, such as:<\/p>\n