A BLOOD test that detects dozens of types of cancer in those with no symptoms may be rolled out on the NHS as early as next year.
The Galleri test picks up traces of loose tumour DNA, signifying the disease is present in the body.
A simple blood test that detects dozens of types of cancer in those with NO symptoms is set for NHS rollout[/caption]
Its maker says it can spot signs of more than 50 types of cancer, including rarer ones.
And results of a trial on 140,000 middle-aged Britons will show how effective it is when they are released in the summer of 2026.
US manufacturer Grail does not want to wait before starting widespread testing.
Its president Sir Harpal Kumar, the former CEO of Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re hopeful these trial results will be positive and then it is a case of how quickly we can get to implement it.”
Cancers become more common with age but many cause no symptoms in the early stages, so they do not get detected until they are harder to treat.
A quick test for those who feel healthy or have only vague symptoms would let doctors spot more cases earlier.
The Galleri trial, involving volunteers aged 50 to 77, stuttered last year when the NHS scrapped an expansion because findings were unconvincing.
NHS director Prof Peter Johnson said: “We will wait to see final results before considering whether an NHS roll-out of the Galleri test should go ahead.”
However, Sir Harpal believes the technology is ready to go, adding: “We waste too much time and lose too many lives waiting and waiting.”
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or your risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 50 to 74, with at-home kits automatically sent out every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
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.
Source: NHS
