New NHS blood test could detect more than 50 types of cancers before symptoms emerge

The NHS trial, involving 140,000 Britons aged between 50 to 77, has yet to release any results but, based on modelling data, the “Holy Grail” test has the potential to save more than 16,000 lives each year. Lead researcher, Professor Peter Sasieni from King’s College London, said: “The potential of this blood test to dramatically cut the number of people who die from cancer is enormous. “Of course, if the test is rolled out by the NHS, we will see some increase in short-term workload from the slightly higher number of referrals for cancer.

“But in the long run, there should also be many savings for the NHS, such as a reduction in the need for chemotherapy and expensive drugs for advanced cancers.” The blood test, called the Galleri test, picks up fragments of DNA linked to cancer which are shed into the blood. Not only that, the Galleri test could revolutionise the way cancer is detected by also suggesting where in the body the tumour is developing. Led by King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, Cancer Research UK, and Grail (the US company that developed the Galleri test), volunteers who had signals of cancer in their blood were referred for a scan within a two-week target.

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Researchers are not yet revealing what proportion of those referred to hospital in the NHS trial turned out to have cancer. Early results from the trial will be shared with the NHS in 2024, which – if found to be successful – could be a “turning point” in how the health body tackles the disease. Rose Gray, of Cancer Research UK, said: “Research like this is crucial for making progress against late-stage cancers, and giving more patients the chance of a good outcome.” The hope is that the test could help to identify hard-to-detect cancers, such as ovarian and pancreatic cancer, which are usually picked up in the later stages.

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“This is checked for tiny amounts of blood,” the NHS explains. “If the test finds anything unusual, you might be asked to go to hospital to have further tests to confirm or rule out cancer.” Those eligible must be registered with a GP, and must live in England, in order for the FIT test to be sent out every two years. “If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60,” the NHS adds. Breast and cervical cancer screenings are also available to eligible Britons.