Game-changing heartburn health checks rolled out to detect cancer

Game-changing heartburn health checks rolled out to detect cancer image

Home » Game-changing heartburn health checks rolled out to detect cancer

A revolutionary new test to help the earlier detection of oesophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe) is to be rolled out in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, in a partnership between the local Integrated Care Board, the East of England Cancer Alliance and Cyted Ltd.  The test has the potential to save lives by identifying the early warning signs of oesophageal 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.”

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

5 November 2024

Resident Briefing: Update on health services in Leighton Buzzard

We are pleased to update residents, representatives and partners on the latest developments in the delivery of healthcare services in Leighton Buzzard. Increasing local primary…

News

1 November 2024

Thousands receive winter vaccinations as NHS campaign gets off to a brisk…

More than 284,000 vaccinations have already been given in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes this winter amid an NHS drive to protect against the flu…

News

30 October 2024

Six priority work programmes unveiled to help local residents live longer, healthier…

Six priority work programmes for health and social care will help residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to live longer, healthier lives, a new strategy document declares.  Cancer services,…

News

28 October 2024

NHS staff join series of talks to mark Black History Month

Around 50 NHS staff in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken up the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of Black and Black British people through an October…

News

24 October 2024

Facial recognition technology improves pain management in local care homes

Innovative facial recognition technology is helping staff at residential and nursing homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to provide better care to patients and reduce reliance on medication. Innovative…

News

24 October 2024

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board achieves Living Wage Employer…

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has been officially accredited as a Living Wage Employer. This prestigious recognition underscores BLMK ICB’s commitment to ensuring that all…