New NHS pilot offers oesophageal cancer checks at high street pharmacies using a quick ‘sponge on a string’ test to catch warning signs early.
Revolutionary Cancer Test Launches at Local Pharmacies
A groundbreaking new NHS pilot will bring early cancer detection directly to high street pharmacies in England. Starting next year, select pharmacies—including Boots—will offer the innovative “sponge on a string” test, aimed at identifying Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition that can lead to oesophageal cancer.
Targeting a Silent, Lethal Disease
Oesophageal cancer claims over 8,000 lives annually in the UK. One of its key early signs is persistent heartburn, a common symptom often overlooked. The new heartburn health checks will focus on individuals regularly using over-the-counter reflux medications who haven’t consulted a GP. The goal is to identify those with undiagnosed Barrett’s oesophagus before the condition progresses.
How the Test Works
Patients will swallow a small capsule attached to a string. Once inside the stomach, the capsule dissolves and releases a sponge that collects cells from the oesophagus lining as it’s withdrawn. These samples are then sent to a lab to check for pre-cancerous changes. The process is non-invasive, quick, and significantly less intensive than a traditional endoscopy.
Where and When the Pilot Rolls Out
The pilot program—run in collaboration with Boots and Cyted Health, a gastrointestinal diagnostics company—will be rolled out in early 2026 across pharmacies in London and the East Midlands. Around 1,500 participants will be included in the two-year trial, with results independently evaluated to determine the potential for national expansion.
Why Accessibility Could Save Lives
By offering the test in convenient, everyday settings like pharmacies, the NHS aims to remove common barriers to early diagnosis. “This new pilot brings a convenient test to where people shop,” said NHS national cancer director Professor Peter Johnson. “It makes it easier than ever for patients to check symptoms that might be worrying them.”
Supporting Early Detection and Treatment
When pre-cancerous cells are found, patients can be referred for follow-up monitoring or treatment, including endoscopic procedures or radiofrequency ablation to remove abnormal tissue. The earlier these changes are caught, the better the outcome. Currently, 80% of oesophageal cancer patients are diagnosed at a late stage—where survival rates are dramatically lower.
Know the Warning Signs
The NHS advises patients to watch for ongoing symptoms like difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, chest pain during swallowing, chronic cough, or persistent fatigue. Anyone with persistent reflux or related symptoms is encouraged to speak to their GP, regardless of age or lifestyle.
