As reported on Wired.gov, people suffering from persistent heartburn or acid reflux could soon benefit from an innovative test available at high-street pharmacies
Part of a new NHS England pilot aimed at boosting early cancer detection, selected pharmacies across England will offer ‘heartburn health checks’ using a simple diagnostic known as the ‘sponge on a string’ test to identify signs of Barrett’s oesophagus – a condition that can lead to oesophageal cancer if left untreated.
The test involves swallowing a small capsule attached to a thin thread. Once in the stomach, the capsule dissolves and expands into a small sponge. After a few minutes, it’s gently withdrawn, collecting cells from the lining of the oesophagus for laboratory analysis. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes and is carried out by trained healthcare professionals.
Currently used in hospitals and Community Diagnostic Centres, the test offers a less invasive alternative to endoscopy. By expanding access into pharmacies, the NHS hopes to make early diagnosis more accessible and reduce pressure on hospital services—supporting the wider goals of the recently launched 10-Year Health Plan.
The pharmacy-based pilot will run for two years, with results from an independent evaluation helping determine the future of the programme.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Cancer Director, said: “The NHS is catching more cancers earlier than ever before, and this new 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.”
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