Lucid Diagnostics Inc. announced the launch of its first EsoGuard® #CheckYourFoodTube Mobile Test Unit serving patients and practices in the Greater Central Florida area. Florida Digestive Health Specialists ("FDHS"), Florida's largest gastroenterology network, will co-host the inaugural precancer detection event at the Gastroenterology Associates of Sarasota offices in Sarasota, Florida under the direction of Dr. Scott Corbett, Chief of Gastroenterology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. EsoGuard is the first and only commercially available diagnostic test capable of serving as a widespread tool to prevent cancer and cancer deaths through early detection of esophageal precancer in at-risk individuals.

During the testing event, at-risk patients will undergo a brief, noninvasive cell collection procedure performed by Lucid personnel in the mobile unit using the EsoCheck® Esophageal Cell Collection Device. Samples will then be sent to Lucid's dedicated CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited molecular diagnostic laboratory in Lake Forest, California, where the EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test will be performed. Shortly thereafter, patients with a positive EsoGuard result will be recommended for appropriate monitoring and treatment, as indicated by their physician and clinical practice guidelines, to prevent progression to esophageal cancer.

Millions of patients with GERD are at risk of developing esophageal precancer and a highly lethal form of esophageal cancer ("EAC"). Over 80% of EAC patients die within five years of diagnosis, making it the second most lethal cancer in the U.S. The mortality rate is staggering even in those diagnosed with early stage EAC. The U.S. incidence of EAC has increased 500% over the past four decades, while the incidences of other common cancers have declined or remained flat.

In nearly all cases, EAC silently progresses until it manifests itself with new symptoms of advanced disease. All EAC is believed to arise from esophageal precancer, which occurs in approximately 5% to 15% of at-risk GERD patients. Early esophageal precancer can be monitored for progression to late esophageal precancer which can be cured with endoscopic esophageal ablation, reliably halting progression to cancer.