Liz Chipchase is making plans for 2019.

"Next year, I am going to throw something bigger. I want to get bigger pots."

She had Oesophageal cancer but had no idea she was ill.

Liz- "I never felt ill. I still find it quite hard to believe I ever had cancer, because I had no symptoms"

Liz had acid reflux for years. This can damage the cells in the oesophagus. Her GP mentioned the cystosponge BEST3 trial to her. The sponge collects cells from the oesophagus, these are tested in the lab for abnormalities.

Patients swallow a 'Pill on a string'. After a few minutes the capsule dissolves and the cytosponge appears. The sponge is pulled out and collects oesophageal cells along the way.

Liz signed up to the trial purely out of scientific interest. The lab tests detected abnormal cells and cancer was later diagnosed. 

Liz- "I truly believe that I would still have it. It would be still be growing and I wouldn't be aware of it. By which time it would've had time to spread to other parts of my body." 

Prof  Rebecca Fitzgerald led a team of Cambridge researchers to develop the sponge and lab tests. It's supported by cancer research UK, the MRC, University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's. The cytosponge is being trialled in numerous GP surgeries and is already making a difference.

Liz- "There aren't any words to describe how glad I am. I think it saved my life. I believe it saved my life. It certainly saved me from a lot worse treatment. So I am extremely happy!

Over 1,000 patients and counting have taken the test. Liz is very glad to be one of them.