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‘Sponge-on-a-string’ cancer test introduced in pharmacies
ENGLAND, JUL 9 – The pilot targets 1,500 people with frequent heartburn to detect Barrett's oesophagus early, improving survival by enabling treatment before oesophageal cancer develops.
- NHS England is piloting a new 'heartburn health checks' program offering a 'sponge on a string' test to 1,500 people in London and East Midlands from early next year.
- The pilot focuses on individuals experiencing ongoing acid reflux symptoms to identify Barrett's oesophagus, an early indicator of oesophageal cancer, with the goal of detecting the disease at an early stage.
- The test involves swallowing a capsule attached to a string that collects cells for analysis and is administered conveniently in high-street pharmacies, improving access for patients.
- NHS national cancer director Peter Johnson highlighted that this pilot offers a simple and accessible test in locations where people frequently go shopping, helping individuals more easily identify concerning symptoms. Meanwhile, Eddie from Suffolk shared that the test may have been lifesaving for him.
- The two-year pilot could improve early cancer detection and survival, aligning with the government’s commitment to innovation and a neighbourhood health service with care closer to people’s homes.
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NHS pilots “sponge-on-a-string” cancer test in high-street pharmacies
NHS trials a 10-minute “sponge-on-a-string” cancer test in high-street pharmacies to detect early signs of Barrett’s oesophagus In a significant step towards earlier cancer detection, the NHS is introducing a simple and innovative test to high-street pharmacies. Known as the “sponge-on-a-string,” this quick procedure aims to spot early signs of oesophageal cancer in people with long-term heartburn, without the need for a hospital visit. Shifting…
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)New ‘sponge’ cancer test to be trialled in high-street pharmacies
NHS England is piloting a new way of preventing oesophageal cancer
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources18
Leaning Left4Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 29%
C 50%
R 21%
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