Suffer From Heartburn? NHS Rolls Out ‘Sponge On A String’ Test That Could Reveal Early Cancer

TestingNHS England rolled out “heartburn health checks” across “dozens” of pharmacies yesterday. These are designed for people with persistent acid reflux or heartburn and will test for Barrett’s oesophagus, which can sometimes be a precursor to oesophageal cancer.  Barrett’s oesophagus refers to changes in the cells lining your food pipe, Cancer UK explained. Between 3% and 13% of people with the condition will go on to develop oesophageal cancer, and chronic indigestion and heartburn are its main symptoms.The new check, dubbed a “sponge on a string” test, can check for this condition in ten minutes. How does it work?Someone taking the test will swallow a “pill on a thread,” which will expand once in their stomach into a “penny-sized sponge. This sponge is then retrieved from the stomach using the string by a healthcare professional. The cells the sponge collects will be tested for pre-cancerous changes (a little like the swab used in a smear test). The test is currently used in hospitals and Community Diagnostic Centres, but now it’s being rolled out to high school pharmacies too. The pilot’s set to run for two years, after which point it will be evaluated to see whether it’s worth a permanent roll-out. Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS’s national cancer director, said: “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.” The test has been described as a “game-changer” Cancer Research UK wrote that often, people with Barrett’s oesophagus don’t notice any symptoms, while those with frequent heartburn may dismiss it.“With more than 8,000 people diagnosed with late-stage oesophageal cancer each year, 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,” Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said. This is part of the government’s 10-year health plan, which promised a Neighbourhood Health Service. Related...This Reptile May Hold The Secret To Cancer Resistance And 'Healthy Ageing', Scientists FindDoctor Shares 6 Signs Of Bowel Cancer Young People Need To Watch Out ForCancer Charities 'Moved' By Kate Middleton's Deeply Personal Recovery Admission

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