Charities and health experts are urging wider use of a simple “sponge on a string” test to catch oesophageal cancer early—before heartburn and indigestion symptoms mask its warning signs. The Guardian reports that earlier detection could boost ten-year survival from 12% to over 50%.
Improving outcomes in oesophageal cancer is our priority—proud of my team for rolling out the capsule sponge test in our Trust. https://twitter.com/daniellewise99/status/1659876543210987654— Danielle Wise (@daniellewise99) April 23, 2025
The Cytosponge device involves swallowing a dissolvable capsule attached to a string. Once in the stomach, it expands into a small sponge that is gently pulled back up, collecting cells from the oesophageal lining for laboratory analysis. Cancer Research UK explains how this low-cost, minimally invasive method works.
Exciting sponge-on-a-string test for cancer will help cut huge NHS wait times. #oesophagealcancer #earlydiagnosismatters https://twitter.com/janecmalone1/status/1660123456789012345— Jane Malone (@janecmalone1) April 22, 2025
Earlier this year, the NHS launched a pilot involving 120,000 patients with chronic heartburn, using the sponge test as a rapid screening tool ahead of traditional endoscopy. Initial results from the BEST3 trial show a ten-fold increase in Barrett’s oesophagus detection compared with standard care. The Guardian outlines the trial’s success.
Evidence indicates that catching oesophageal cancer at stage I can improve five-year survival rates from around 15% to nearly 60%. Yet most cases are diagnosed late, when symptoms—persistent indigestion, chest discomfort and difficulty swallowing—are easily dismissed as benign reflux. Experts warn this silent killer remains under the radar for too many.
Heartburn Cancer UK, which helped fund mobile testing units, is calling for Cytosponge to be rolled out nationwide. Founder Mimi McCord, who lost her husband to late-stage oesophageal cancer, said: “We have a test that works—patients are dying while we wait to make it routine.” Heartburn Cancer UK details how to access the test.
