A new ‘heartburn health check’ will soon be available in dozens of pharmacies across England to test for Barrett’s oesophagus, which can be a precursor to oesophageal cancer.
Those who have been struggling with persistent heartburn or acid reflux will be offered a ‘sponge on a string’ test, which involves swallowing a small pill on a thread, which expands into a penny-sized sponge when it reaches the stomach. After a few minutes, it is safety pulled out to collect cells from the lining of the oesophagus, which are tested for pre-cancerous changes in the lab.
This can be performed by a health professional in under ten minutes, and is part of a wider shift towards receiving care outside of hospitals.
It is currently used in hospitals and Community Diagnostic Centres, helping reduce the need for invasive endoscopies and free up appointments for those at high risk of cancer.
Pharmacists will help spot patients who are regularly using over-the-counter medications to remedy heartburn or reflux symptoms but have not been to a GP, which will help to spot early changes in the lining of the oesophagus that have gone under the radar.
A partnership with Boots and gastrointestinal diagnostics company Cyted Health will see around 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands offered the quick and easy test on-site in a pharmacy or be referred to a community-based clinic in their area.
The pilot will work alongside Heartburn Cancer UK, a locally led public health awareness campaign.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director: “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 Barret’s oesophagus, regular follow-up checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early.”
