Trial in across Northamptonshire will see "sponge on a string" tests offered in pharmacies
The two-year trial is running across the East Midlands and London.
Hundreds of people with persistent heartburn or acid reflux will be offered a "sponge on a string" test in high-street pharmacies for the first time.
NHS England is piloting a new way of preventing oesophageal cancer by looking for people with a condition called Barrett's oesophagus.
This occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the oesophagus (the food pipe). Some cells may grow abnormally and develop into oesophageal cancer.
In the pilot, from early next year, around 1,500 people in London and the East Midlands will be offered the new "heartburn health checks" to test for Barrett's oesophagus.
During the test, the patient swallows a small capsule attached to a string.
The capsule dissolves in the stomach and leaves a small sponge about the size of a 1p coin.
The sponge is then pulled out via the string by NHS staff after a few minutes, during which time it collects cells from the oesophageal lining for analysis in the lab.
This test is already used in hospitals and community diagnostic centres to help reduce the need for invasive endoscopies in Barrett's patients.
Only one in five people survive a year, meaning early diagnosis is crucial
During the pilot, pharmacists will work to spot patients who are regularly using over-the-counter medicines to ease their heartburn but who have not sought help from their GP.
The pilot will run for two years before potentially being rolled out more widely.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, said: "The NHS is catching more cancers earlier than ever before, and this new pilot brings a convenient test to where people shop, making it easier than ever for patients to check signs and symptoms that might be worrying them.
"For the majority of people with persistent reflux, these quick and easy heartburn health checks will provide peace of mind that you aren't at increased risk of cancer, and for those who do find out they have Barrett's oesophagus, regular follow-up checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early."
If pre-cancerous cells are found, treatment can be offered to remove the cells through endoscopy or a procedure known as radiofrequency ablation.
Of almost 10,000 patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK each year, 80% are diagnosed at a late stage.
Only one in five people survive a year, meaning early diagnosis is crucial.
The NHS has partnered with Boots and diagnostics company Cyted Health for the pilot, alongside Heartburn Cancer UK.
Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: "Last week, as part of our 10-year health plan, we promised a neighbourhood health service - convenient care nearer to where people live.
"Today's announcement is a fantastic example of the life-saving potential of healthcare on your high street.
"Being able to spot the warning signs using a 10-minute test in a local pharmacy - before cancer has even taken hold - will be a game-changer.
"As part of our Plan for Change to tackle the biggest killers, this government is committed to back innovation and make our NHS fit for the future to drive up this country's cancer survival rates."