‘Sponge on a string’ oesophageal cancer prevention trial launches

My Dad was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in December 2009 and I worry that I might get it too. I cant stand the idea of having an endoscopy, so I too would have this minimally invasive test carried out. So far Dad has recovered wee, following chemo and surgery, but life is not the same as before. Well done to you all. Karen

Hi Every one, every step forward is real progress, this is a terrible disease, that we must try to eradicate, & that is why I donate. Keep up the good work. Glenn

many thanks for the reply Kat, I will get back to the hospital. The last endoscapathy left me with burst blood vessels in and around my eyes and mouth so I don’t relish this procedure any more. The sponge sounds so easy.

This is a true improvement to the endoscopy process which I endured twice, once to detect the cancer, which lasted about 35 mins on the table and was not a pleasant experience, as anyone who has had it will testify, but luckily for me the second time was to confirm everything was Ok after surgery, and was about 2 mins as described prior to the first endoscopy. Best wishes to Geoff Lidster its a long road but worth it.

This is a great step forward for early detection, I lost my Mum to this particularly cruel cancer and it is a dreadful way to die. As mentioned by others I take Lanzaprazole daily for acid reflux.

Best of luck with future trials.

I had an endoscopy in 2005, following a breast cancer diagnosis, and found it easier to tolerate than I had imagined. I was told that I had polyps and acid reflux, and have been taking Lanzaprazole ever since. I would really welcome the opportunity to take part in the trial with the “sponge on a string” as it sounds a far less invasive technique for making a diagnosis than the endoscopy!

Judith McMullin

This is brilliant. I have always been fearful of having an endoscopy, although my sister has had one and says ‘Its nothing’. However i would give this sponge on astring some concideration. Keep up the good work

i lost my husband last year to this dreadful cancer. It is a ghastly way to die and early diagnosis is the only way any one can survive. What a wonderful step forward i do hope it works. Good luck

What a BRILLIANT idea!! Well done Cancer Research. I was diagnosed in 2006 the endoscopy was hard to bear this sounds much, much better. Ican’t afford to contribute much to you per month but it is money well spent. Thank you

I was diagnosed with Barretts a few years ago following an Endoscopy at A & E. As I have a metal aortic valve it wasn’t possible to take biopsies at that time due to my coagulation regime.
Two subsequent attempts at Endoscopies to obtain biopsies to confirm the visual evidence failed despite being in hospital for 10 days each time for transfer from warfarin to heparin and back. I was in such discomfort with the endoscopies that they were both aborted and no attempt to continue them was made. I’m therefore not receiving any monitoring of my condition, I’m just taking Lansaprozole to stop acid reflux. This simple test could be a potential life-saver for me. I can’t believe such a simple and obvious way of gathering cells from the bottom of the oesophagus didn’t occur to someone years ago. It’s wonderful news and I hope I get the opportunity to use it !!

I have Barretts and was supposed to have a 3rd endoscopathy in February the hospital just said they are running late with their lists and to wait. I didn’t know how bad this was til I read this report.. I am worried now and a bit scared. Carole

We lost our mum from this terrible cancer in 1993. She hated the endoscope. I truly hope this breakthrough saves lots of lives.
Pat Mac.

Marvellous. If you need any people to be guinea-pigs – I’m a volunteer. Bruce McD

Well lets hope that this program will be successful, These things should also be done by WHO.. Good Luck cancerresearchuk.org…….