Feeling the burn?

IF HEARTBURN IS FREQUENT, SEVERE, OR ACCOMPANIED BY OTHER SYMPTOMS, IT'S TIME TO GET CHECKED OUT.

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

MANY of us are familiar with that burning sensation in the chest - but while heartburn is usually harmless, it can sometimes point to underlying health issues.

One of these is Barrett's oesophagus, a condition where some of the cells in your oesophagus grow abnormally, increasing your risk of oesophageal cancer, according to the NHS website.

Starting next year, about 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands will be offered new “heartburn health checks”. The test involves swallowing a capsule on a string, which dissolves in the stomach, releasing a small sponge to collect cells for analysis when removed.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, says: “For the majority of people with persistent reflux, these quick and easy heartburn health checks will provide peace of mind that you aren't at increased risk of cancer, and for those who do find out they have Barrett's oesophagus, regular followup checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early.”