11 June 2026
People living in Wolverhampton and surrounding areas are being encouraged to take part in a major national study aiming to improve how heartburn and acid reflux are diagnosed and treated.
Heartburn Health, supported by the NHS, Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is the largest study of its kind in the UK and is now focusing on recruiting volunteers locally, with New Cross Hospital acting as the lead site.
Heartburn affects up to one in four adults in the UK. The programme aims to build a national community of at least 120,000 volunteers to help researchers better understand the condition and improve care.
Dr Aditi Kumar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “Heartburn and acid reflux are very common, but for some people they can be a sign of more serious conditions.
“By taking part in research like this, patients can help us improve how we detect and treat these conditions earlier, which can make a real difference to outcomes.”
Anyone who signs up to Heartburn Health may also be invited to take part in the BEST4 Screening Trial, which is testing a new way to detect oesophageal cancer earlier, when it is more treatable.
Mobile screening units will be visiting Wolverhampton and surrounding areas in July, making it easier for people to take part.
Men aged 55 to 79 and women aged 65 to 79, who experience persistent heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion are invited to sign up.
Anyone interested in taking part can find out more and register online via the Heartburn Health website or Best4 Screening Trial.