Charity Urges Wider Access to Groundbreaking Sponge Test That Could Detect Cancer Mistaken for Heartburn

By Niamh Shackleton

A simple and innovative sponge test could revolutionize the early detection of a rare type of cancer that is frequently mistaken for something as common as heartburn.

Cancer symptoms are often deceptive, mimicking other more benign conditions. In one striking case, a woman dismissed her discomfort as a urinary tract infection (UTI), only to later discover she had a rare form of cancer known as desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT).

This scenario isn't unique. Many cancers, especially oesophageal cancer, have symptoms that are easy to misinterpret.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of oesophageal cancer may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, hoarseness, persistent coughing, unintended weight loss, and chronic indigestion or heartburn. Because these signs can appear mild or commonplace, they are often overlooked until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

Although oesophageal cancer is relatively rare, heartburn is a common ailment, affecting as many as one in four adults in the UK, according to Guts UK. This high prevalence makes it easy for individuals—and even doctors—to misattribute symptoms to less severe issues like acid reflux.

However, a simple diagnostic tool might help change that narrative.

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Introducing the Sponge Test: A Less Invasive Alternative

The Cytosponge, often referred to as the "sponge on a string," could be a game-changer in detecting early signs of oesophageal cancer. The test involves swallowing a small capsule attached to a string. After a few minutes, the capsule dissolves and releases a sponge that expands to about the size of a 50p coin. When pulled back up by the string, it collects cells from the lining of the oesophagus.

The collected sample is then analyzed for abnormalities associated with Barrett’s oesophagus—a condition that significantly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

This minimally invasive procedure is far less intensive than the current gold standard: an endoscopy, which requires sedation and hospital resources. The Cytosponge could make early screening more accessible and affordable, potentially saving countless lives through early diagnosis.

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Meet the Advocates Behind the Push for Change

The sponge test was developed by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, Director of the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge. She has long advocated for its use as a front-line screening tool, particularly for patients experiencing chronic heartburn or acid reflux.

Mimi McCord, founder of Heartburn Cancer UK, has joined the call to expand access to the test. She founded the charity after losing her husband to oesophageal cancer in 2002—a loss that drives her mission to raise awareness about this often-overlooked disease.

“Cancer of the oesophagus is a killer that can hide in plain sight,” Mimi told Metro. “People don’t always realize it, but not all heartburn is harmless. While they keep on treating the symptoms, the underlying cause might be killing them.”

She continued, “We have a test. We know it works. People are dying while we wait to make it widely available.”

Currently, the Cytosponge is only available to high-risk patients in the UK, despite being FDA-approved for use in the U.S. since 2018. Yet its use in clinical practice across the U.S. remains limited, with most physicians still relying on traditional endoscopy.

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Potential Benefits: Early Detection, Cost Savings, and Better Outcomes

Expanding access to the Cytosponge could offer several major benefits:

• Earlier diagnosis, when the cancer is more treatable

• Reduced need for endoscopy, freeing up healthcare resources

• Increased public awareness of the link between chronic heartburn and oesophageal cancer

• Improved survival rates for patients who would otherwise be diagnosed too late

Moreover, the test is painless, quick, and can be done in a GP’s office, making it an ideal screening tool for general use.

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Public Reaction and Room for Improvement

Although public awareness of the Cytosponge is growing, there are still concerns. Some patients have shared worries about discomfort or gag reflexes. However, in recent versions of the test, the sponge only remains in the oesophagus for about five minutes—making it more tolerable than many assume.

For those with a strong gag reflex, future iterations of the device or alternative sampling methods might further improve accessibility.

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A Call to Action

Cancer charities, healthcare professionals, and advocates are now urging health services to fast-track the broader rollout of the sponge test to patients across the UK and beyond.

In a healthcare landscape where early detection is often the key to survival, the Cytosponge represents more than just innovation—it represents hope.

“We are at the edge of a transformation,” said Professor Fitzgerald. “The sooner we bring this test to the masses, the more lives we can save.”