NHS Brings ‘Sponge on a String’ Cancer Test to Pharmacies
The NHS is launching a pilot program in 2026 to offer a simple “sponge on a string” test for detecting early signs of oesophageal cancer at high street pharmacies like Boots. The quick, non-invasive test targets those with persistent heartburn—a key symptom of Barrett’s oesophagus, a cancer risk factor. Run in partnership with Cyted Health, the two-year trial will begin in London and the East Midlands, aiming to make early detection more accessible and boost survival rates through timely diagnosis and treatment.