Heartburn Study Opens to South East London Volunteers
Thousands of people live with regular heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux without realising the symptoms can sometimes point to more serious conditions. Now, a large-scale research programme called Heartburn Health is asking eligible people across south east London to join a nationwide study that could shape future care for digestive diseases and oesophageal cancer.
Supported by the NHS and Cancer Research UK, the programme hopes to build a community of more than 120,000 participants experiencing reflux-related symptoms. Researchers say the information gathered will help improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes for people living with persistent symptoms.
Why the research matters
Heartburn is common, affecting up to a quarter of adults in the UK. But for some people, ongoing symptoms can develop into Barrett’s Oesophagus, a condition linked to oesophageal cancer. This is not intended to get anyone worried but around 9,300 new cases of oesophageal cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.
The study is particularly relevant for people who regularly rely on over-the-counter medication or repeat prescriptions to manage reflux symptoms. Researchers hope earlier identification of higher-risk patients could eventually lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment pathways.
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Princess Royal University Hospital is among the organisations supporting the programme in south east London.
Who can take part
The programme is open to:
Men aged 55 to 79
Women aged 65 to 79
Participants must experience regular heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion, or take medication to manage those symptoms. Signing up takes only a few minutes and may also offer opportunities to join future clinical trials focused on earlier cancer detection.
People can register through the official Heartburn Health website at Heartburn Health or call 0808 281 4772 for help with signing up or to ask questions.
Anyone concerned about persistent digestive symptoms should also speak to their GP or contact NHS 111 for advice and support.
