Sponge on a string reduces long waits for diagnostic test for cancer

Exclusive: cytosponge detects precursor to oesophageal cancer, slashing NHS waiting times for endoscopies

A sponge on a string" used to identify a precursor to one of Britain's deadliest cancers is helping to reduce the long delays faced by patients who need a vital diagnostic test.

An NHS trial of the innovative cytosponge" has found that almost eight out of 10 people who are assessed using the method do not then need to join the waiting list for an endoscopy.