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 care from hospitals to the community
NHS England has announced that select pharmacies in England will offer new heartburn health checks to test for Barrett’s oesophagus, which can be a precursor to oesophageal cancer.
The test, which involves patients swallowing a small pill on a thread, is designed for maximum convenience. The pill expands into a penny-sized sponge when it reaches the stomach. After a few minutes, it is safely pulled out to collect cells from the lining of the oesophagus, which are then tested in the lab for pre-cancerous changes.
Delivered by a health professional in under 10 minutes, the test could help shift care from hospitals to the community as part of the 10 Year Health Plan, launched last week by the Government and NHS.
This tool is used in hospitals and Community Diagnostic Centres, reducing the need for invasive endoscopies and freeing up appointments.
A 10-minute cancer test is available in Boots
The NHS is partnering with Boots and gastrointestinal diagnostics company Cyted Health to deliver the cancer test to the public. From 2026, around 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands will be offered the quick and easy test on-site in a pharmacy or be referred to a community-based clinic in their area. This pilot program, supported by Heartburn Cancer UK, has the potential to significantly impact cancer detection and will run for two years, with the outcomes determining any future roll-outs.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, said: “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.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said: “Last week, as part of our 10 Year Health Plan, we promised a Neighbourhood Health Service – convenient care nearer to where people live. Today’s announcement is a fantastic example of the lifesaving potential of healthcare on your high street.
“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.
“As part of our Plan for Change to tackle the biggest killers, this government is committed to backing innovation and making our NHS fit for the future to drive up this country’s cancer survival rates.”
Mimi McCord, Founder and Chairman of Heartburn Cancer UK, said: “Oesophageal cancer can be a brutal disease. It hides in plain sight, and when it takes hold, it doesn’t hang around before it kills.
“Catching it early – or when it’s a pre-cancerous condition – is the best chance people have of survival. People who regularly self-medicate often fall below the radar of the GP system.
‘Lives will be saved by more people being made aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for and having quick, simple and easily accessible tests in pharmacies.”
Marcel Gehrung, Co-founder and CEO of Cyted Health, said: “Too many people don’t realise that persistent heartburn and chronic reflux can be warning signs of something more serious and that lack of awareness is costing lives. A capsule sponge test can detect conditions of the oesophagus early, before it’s too late.
“We’re proud to support this NHS pilot, bringing lifesaving testing closer to the community, making it easier for more people to get checked, helping prevent avoidable deaths.”
