27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
Home » News » Game-changing heartburn health checks rolled out to detect cancer
The news comes as the UK marks the start of Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month (February).
The innovative test uses capsules that are swallowed to collect cells from the oesophagus, in a process which takes less than 10 minutes. This non-invasive procedure is particularly beneficial for monitoring patients who experience chronic heartburn and those with Barrett’s oesophagus, a pre-cancerous condition.
Dr Sarah Whiteman, Chief Medical Officer for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing innovations like the Heartburn Health Check to our local area, and believe this could be a real game-changer for people who develop oesophageal cancer.
“This type of cancer is usually detected late because there are few symptoms in the early stages, but early detection can make all the difference to the diagnosis, treatment and outcome for local people.
“Tests like this are so important because we have a lower take up of routine screening in BLMK than in other parts of the country and so the easier it is to test, the more lives we can save.”
If you have any symptoms and you don’t know why you have them, speak to your GP or contact NHS 111, who will give you advice and arrange for you to talk to a doctor if you need to.
Selected patients from Priory Gardens Medical Centre in Dunstable and London Road Surgery in Bedford will be invited to undergo the test in the coming months. In Milton Keynes, patients diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus will have the opportunity to take the test at the Community Diagnostic Centre, offering a quicker, simpler and less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy procedures.
Dr Nasir Hannan, GP Partner at Priory Gardens Surgery said:
“Oesophageal cancer is the sixth largest cause of cancer -related deaths in the entire world. It has been difficult to find an effective screening methodology for this as many people can suffer with symptoms, but very few people actually have oesophageal cancer.
“We are all proud to be part of the efforts of the NHS to help in the early detection of this global disease.”
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
27 June 2025
Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show
The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures…
20 June 2025
Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health…
Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by…
17 June 2025
Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…
11 June 2025
Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet
During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…
9 June 2025
Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives
As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…
6 June 2025
Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…