High street pharmacies to offer 'sponge on a string' cancer tests

High-street pharmacies are poised to offer a revolutionary "sponge on a string" test to hundreds with persistent heartburn or acid reflux symptoms. A groundbreaking NHS England pilot scheme will aim to combat oesophageal cancer by detecting a condition known as Barrett's oesophagus.

Barrett's oesophagus stems from the damage caused to the oesophagal lining by stomach acids, potentially leading to abnormal cell growth and eventually oesophageal cancer. From early next year, about 1,500 individuals across London and the East Midlands will have access to "heartburn health checks" in this trial initiative.

The test procedure involves swallowing a capsule tethered with string. Once the capsule dissolves in the stomach, it reveals a sponge roughly the size of a 1p piece.

READ MORE: Pharmacist's key advice to swallow pills - and it's not with water

READ MORE: Spain hit by poisoning outbreak as 162 fall ill

After a few moments, NHS professionals withdraw the sponge via the string, which by then has gathered cells from the oesophagus for laboratory evaluation.

Currently used in hospitals and community diagnostic hubs, the test serves as an alternative to invasive endoscopies for individuals with Barrett's oesophagus, officials say. Pharmacies involved in the pilot study will be pivotal in identifying customers who frequently purchase over-the-counter remedies for heartburn yet haven't consulted their GP about their symptoms, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The two-year pilot scheme could be the first step to a broader implementation. Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, 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.

"For the majority of people with persistent reflux, these quick and easy heartburn health checks will provide peace of mind that you aren't at increased risk of cancer, and for those who do find out they have Barrett's oesophagus, regular follow-up checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early."

Treatment is available to eradicate pre-cancerous cells found during screening, through methods such as endoscopy or radiofrequency ablation. In the UK, nearly 10,000 people are diagnosed annually with oesophageal cancer, with 80% being detected at advanced stages.

With only one in five patients surviving beyond a year post-diagnosis, timely detection is vital, officials stress. Eddie, a 77-year-old man from Suffolk, believes that the testing process could have been life-saving after enduring years of persistent heartburn.

READ MORE: Anyone flying budget airlines this summer given new update on baggage size checks

READ MORE: 'I couldn't believe why teenage neighbour confronted me when I got a new driveway'

He said: "It used to wake me up at night, but I always thought it was just one of those things. To think that something as simple as swallowing a capsule could uncover a hidden risk is truly remarkable. The test was quick, straightforward, and completely changed how I think about my health.

"Knowing I have Barrett's oesophagus meant I was prioritised, my condition was monitored, and as a result my dysplasia (cell changes) was caught early. I am now able to get targeted treatment to stop my condition progressing to cancer, rather than finding out when it's too late.

"This never would have been caught if it wasn't for capsule sponge testing. This test gave me peace of mind and access to early treatment and could mean the difference between life and death for so many others."

READ MORE: Spain hit by poisoning outbreak as 162 fall ill

READ MORE: New Covid UK 'Stratus strain is 'Frankenstein' type say experts as symptom emerges

The NHS has teamed up with Boots and diagnostics firm Cyted Health for the pilot project, in collaboration with Heartburn Cancer UK. Public health minister Ashley Dalton - part of health secretary Wes Streeting's team - said: "Last week, as part of our 10-year health plan, we promised a neighbourhood health service – convenient care nearer to where people live.

"Today's announcement is a fantastic example of the life-saving potential of healthcare on your high street. Being able to spot the warning signs using a 10-minute test in a local pharmacy – before cancer has even taken hold – will be a game-changer.

"As part of our Plan for Change to tackle the biggest killers, this government is committed to back innovation and make our NHS fit for the future to drive up this country's cancer survival rates."