'Multi-cancer' blood tests coming to some GP surgeries soon
The NHS is launching a trial in 200 GP surgeries across England to test a new blood screening method for multiple types of cancer. The study aims to determine if detecting specific proteins or DNA fragments can improve early diagnosis for hard-to-identify abdominal cancers.
Why it matters
Early detection of cancer significantly improves patient survival rates, and this trial could revolutionize how GPs screen for asymptomatic or vague-symptom cancers.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 10 minutes ago New blood tests designed to check for multiple cancers in one go will be offered to NHS patients in some 200 GP surgeries in England as part of a trial.
The aim is to detect hard-to-diagnose abdominal cancers, including liver, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, much sooner. These cancers are often found only after they have spread.
The tests look for proteins or fragments of DNA in the blood that may signal cancer. Results could help doctors decide which patients with vague symptoms need further investigations.
More than 20,000 patients aged 45 and over with symptoms such as pain or persistent bloating will be eligible to take part.
The government-funded trial, led by the University of Birmingham, will assess whether the tests are accurate enough for wider NHS use.
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