People in Wigan experiencing regular heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux are being encouraged to take part in a major national research programme aimed at improving care and treatment for these common conditions. Heartburn Health, supported by the NHS and Cancer Research UK, is building a community of at least 120,000 volunteers across the UK to help researchers better understand heartburn and acid reflux and develop new ways to improve care, manage symptoms and enhance overall health and wellbeing. The programme is being supported locally by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is seeking volunteers who regularly experience heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux, or who take medication to manage these symptoms. Researchers are particularly interested in hearing from men aged 55 to 79 and women aged 65 to 79. Eligible participants can self-enrol online in just a few minutes through the Heartburn Health website.
Heartburn is one of the most common digestive health conditions in the UK, affecting up to a quarter of adults, according to Guts UK. While often considered a minor health issue, persistent heartburn can sometimes lead to more serious conditions. It is estimated that around one in 10 people with ongoing heartburn will develop Barrett’s Oesophagus, a condition that can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. Cancer Research UK reports that around 9,300 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer each year in the UK, making it the seventh most common cause of cancer-related death. By joining Heartburn Health, participants will contribute to a unique national bioresource that will support approved researchers in answering important questions about reflux and related health conditions. The information provided by volunteers will be stored securely and used to advance research that could benefit future generations. The programme has been developed by clinicians and researchers from the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London, with support from the NHS and Cancer Research UK.
How to Take Part
The study is open to:
- Men aged 55 to 79
- Women aged 65 to 79
- People who regularly experience heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion
- People who regularly take medication for these symptoms
Those interested can enrol online at Heartburn Health or call 0808 281 4772 for further information or assistance with signing up.
People who receive a text message from “NHSresearch” can also use the link provided in the message to register.
Taking just a few minutes to sign up could help drive important discoveries and improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of people living with heartburn and related conditions across the UK.
