Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB
An NHS Cancer Programme-funded pilot of EndoSign capsule sponge testing in high street pharmacies has now started, with 79 patients already tested across the East Midlands. Patients experiencing persistent heartburn will now have until March 2027 to sign up for the test, which identifies oesophageal conditions to help prevent oesophageal cancer.
Across Nottingham, Derby, Kirkby-In-Ashfield and Mansfield, selected Boots stores and independent high street pharmacies are offering EndoSign, a capsule sponge test for the earlier detection of precancerous, cancerous and inflammatory conditions of the oesophagus, to people experiencing persistent heartburn or acid reflux.
Because heartburn and acid reflux are common conditions, many people put up with them for years, relying on over-the-counter medications, without realising persistent symptoms could be a sign of an underlying oesophageal condition, such as Barrett’s oesophagus – a pre-cancerous condition. If left undiagnosed, these related oesophageal conditions can develop into oesophageal cancer. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent this.
The test involves the patient swallowing a small capsule attached to a strong, thin thread. After a few minutes in the stomach, the capsule dissolves, releasing a small sponge which collects cells from the oesophagus as it is gently pulled back up by the pharmacist. The cells are then sent for testing, and the patient is only referred for an endoscopy if their EndoSign test returns results that need further investigation.
Of the 79 patients tested with EndoSign so far, 25 have been subsequently referred for further investigation via an endoscopy, proving the effectiveness of testing patients in the community through pharmacies.
Carmen Norrmington-Rodriguez, 51, of Nottingham, was an early participant in the pilot: “I’ve suffered with heartburn for years. In the past, I’ve had endoscopies to check my stomach and oesophagus, but the whole process, from getting a GP referral to waiting for the specialist appointment, was long and stressful. The hospital visit, the procedure, the anxiety around it all made it quite distressing. Because of that, I avoided going through it again and just carried on suffering in silence, always worrying whether I might be causing damage to my oesophagus.
“I recently heard about the new test Boots is offering and decided to try it. The service was excellent and very straightforward. I first had a phone appointment with the pharmacist, who went through my health history. Once they confirmed I met the criteria, they booked me in for the test.
“On the day, I went to Boots in Nottingham Victoria Centre. The pharmacist was incredibly helpful and immediately put me at ease. The procedure itself was simple and not painful at all. Within half an hour, I was out of the store and getting on with my day.
“A couple of weeks later, my results came back all clear. I fully recommend the service. I can’t believe how easy it was and how much peace of mind it’s given me.”
If you are experiencing persistent heartburn or acid reflux, are over the age of 45 and are local to Nottingham, Derby, Kirkby-In-Ashfield or Mansfield, visit the appropriate pharmacy from the list of those participating in the pilot below to enquire about having an EndoSign test.
