A mobile health clinic for people in Abergavenny will open in Llanfoist later this month that could help them spot the signs of cancer earlier than they otherwise would.

Men aged 55 to 79 and women aged 65 to 79 can take part. They could live with heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux and are being invited to take part in a major research trial using a simple "pill-on-a-thread" test that could help spot signs of oesophageal cancer earlier.

The trial is taking place on the BEST4 mobile screening unit, a specially equipped mobile clinic bringing research closer to communities across Wales and it will be based at Waitrose, Merthyr Rd, Llanfoist, Abergavenny NP7 9LL from Thursday 20 to Friday 28 August.

Phil Walters, aged 68, has already taken part in the trial.

“I've lived with heartburn for more than 25 years and have taken medication for it for a long time,” he said.

“When I heard about the trial, I wanted to get involved and support research that could help improve care for other people in the future. I think bringing research directly into communities is a great idea. We have lots of initiatives that support our communities, from recycling schemes to local services, and I think research should be seen in the same way.”

“The BEST4 mobile unit makes it much easier for people to take part in research closer to home, and I'd encourage anyone who's invited to consider getting involved."

Those may receive a text message from NHS Wales inviting them to join the Heartburn Health programme and if they do, they shouldclick the link in the message to sign up for Heartburn Health.

Some people who sign up for Heartburn Health and meet the trial requirements will be randomly selected to attend an appointment on the BEST4 mobile screening unit.

Otherwise, sign-ups are also open at www.HeartburnHealth.org.

The trial is investigating whether a capsule sponge test can be used to screen people with heartburn for Barrett's oesophagus, a condition linked to long-term acid reflux that can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.

The appointment takes around 35 minutes and the test is carried out by a nurse. Participants swallow a small capsule attached to a thread. Once in the stomach, the capsule dissolves to release a sponge, which is gently removed to collect cells from the lining of the oesophagus.

Irene Debiram-Beecham, Principal Research Nurse and BEST4 Clinical Coordinator, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the BEST4 Screening Trial to communities across Wales. The capsule sponge test is quick and straightforward and carried out by a trained nurse.”

"By using mobile screening units, we're making it easier for people to take part in research closer to home. Every person who joins the study will help us understand whether this approach could play a role in identifying people at risk of oesophageal cancer earlier in the future.

"If you receive an invitation, we encourage you to consider taking part and help us build the evidence needed to improve care for future generations."

The UK-wide study is funded by Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Researchers hope it will show that the capsule sponge can help detect changes in the oesophagus earlier, leading to earlier treatment, better outcomes for patients and reduced pressure on NHS endoscopy services.