Multi Cancer Blood Test
In short
The NHS is currently trialling a new blood test that can identify signs of up to 13 different types of cancer from a single sample. This trial involves over 20,000 patients across 200 GP surgeries in England.
In plain words
Instead of testing for one disease at a time, this test looks for many different cancers at once. It is designed to find cancers like bowel, prostate, and pancreatic cancer earlier than usual.
A simple example
A patient aged 45 or over visits their GP and provides a small blood sample. This single sample is then analysed to check for multiple abdominal cancers simultaneously.
Why it matters
Early detection is vital for successful cancer treatment. This test helps doctors find cancers that are often missed or dismissed when symptoms are vague.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this screening trial with a diagnostic test used only after someone already has clear symptoms.
Sources
- Blood tests that detect multiple cancers will be available soon – here’s how they work
- Prof Peter Johnson backs 200 GP surgeries in Multi-cancer Blood Test trial
- NHS trials a blood test that looks for several cancers at once
- NHS to trial new blood tests that could detect 13 types of cancer earlier - NATIONAL NEWS