Two projects on early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer will be taking place in north central London. 

The NHS and Cancer Research UK are supporting Heartburn Health, a national research programme seeking volunteers with heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.

North central London residents aged 55 to 79 (male) and 65 to 79 (female) with symptoms, are now being invited to become part of a community of at least 120,000 volunteers who will form a dedicated national bioresource, that will speed up research that aims to improve care, manage symptoms, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of people with heartburn and acid reflux. 

Volunteers can self-enrol and  NCL Cancer Alliance are engaging with stakeholders to ensure practices are being made aware of this initiative. 

Further information is available in the FAQ. 

The Community Pharmacy Assessment for Barrett’s Oesophagus and Reflux Symptoms (COMPASS) pilot will also begin next month. Through community pharmacy, people can be referred for capsule sponge testing for Barratt’s oesophagus. More information to follow nearer the project start date.