by Hundreds of people in England are to be offered a “sponge on a string” test to identify a forerunner of one of the deadliest cancer in high-street pharmacies for the first time.
Patients with persistent heartburn or acid reflux can take the capsule size into tablet size, which is extended when washing with a glass of water in the stomach.
The device is then pulled out with an attached thread so that the cells are analyzed to determine whether someone has barretts esophagus, which increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Osophageal cancer increases and is closely associated with risk factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and a break.
Mimi McCord, the founder and chair of Heartbrann Cancer UK, who is working with NHS England on the pilot program, said: “Oesophagus cancer can be a brutal illness. It hides in the eyes and if it deals, it does not depend before it kills.
“It is the best chance that people will survive when it is a pre -cancer -like disease.
“Life is saved by more people who are made aware of the signs and symptoms that they are looking for and have quick, simple and easily accessible tests in pharmacies.”
The pilot is intended to help prevent more cases of esophageal cancer by finding people with Barrett’s.
The condition occurs when the stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus or the food pipes. Some cells can grow unusually and develop into esophageal cancer.
Around 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands are offered the new “Soder Burn -Gesundhichks” to test barretts esophagus.
The test is already used in hospitals and diagnostic community centers to reduce the need for invasive endoscopies in Barrett patients.
Pharmacists will work to recognize patients who regularly use over -the -counter drugs to make their heartburn easier, but have not been looking for help from their family doctor.
In addition to Heartbrann Cancer UK, the NHS worked with boots and the diagnostic company Cyted Health for the Pilot. It will take two years before it may be rolled out.
The healthcare director of the healthcare system, Prof. Peter Johnson, said: “The NHS captures more cancer earlier than ever, and this new pilot brings a comfortable test where people shop and makes it easier for patients, signs and symptoms that may worry.
“For the majority of people with persistent reflux, these fast and simple health checks for heartburn are reassured that they have no increased risk of cancer, and for those who find that they have barretts esophagus, regular post-observation tests are carried out so that all further cell changes can be discovered early.”
If pre -cancer -like cells are found, treatment can be offered to remove the cells by endoscopy or a method referred to as high frequency.
Of almost 10,000 patients who were diagnosed every year in Great Britain, 80% are diagnosed at a late stage. Only one of five people survived, which means that early diagnosis is of crucial importance.
The Minister of Public Health, Ashley Dalton, said: “Last week we promised a health service in the neighborhood as part of our 10-year health plan-a practical care that lives closer to people. Today’s announcement is a fantastic example of the life-saving potential of health care on your high street.
“Recognize the warning signs with a 10-minute test in a local pharmacy before Cancer has even gripped a grain will be a game changer.”
