Two drops of blood can detect 12 deadly cancers – even before symptoms appear – Wales Online
A new blood test has emerged that could be a game-changer in detecting cancer at an early stage, potentially saving thousands of lives annually. The test, known as the miONCO test, is claimed to be 99% accurate and capable of identifying 50 different types of cancer, even before symptoms manifest. Priced at £120, the test screens for the 12 most prevalent cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, among others.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has personal experience surviving cancer, believes that this ‘universal’ blood screening could transform cancer treatment within the next five years. He emphasised the importance of early detection in improving survival rates and reducing the waiting time for tests and scans. The Government is set to invest £2.5 million in further developing the test through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
The research team behind the miONCO test aims to refine the test, making it faster and more affordable, in collaboration with universities, the health service, and pharmaceutical companies. The ultimate goal is to introduce this test to the NHS within the next five to seven years. Professor Paul Skipp from Southampton University expressed optimism in the potential life-saving impact of this technology, highlighting the significance of catching cancers at an early stage.
Streeting’s personal mission as Health Secretary is to ensure that the NHS adopts cutting-edge technology to benefit all patients, not just a privileged few. He stressed the importance of equipping the healthcare system with advanced tools to revolutionise cancer care, noting that earlier detection significantly enhances patients’ chances of survival. Streeting also mentioned that the current NHS screening tests have high false positive rates, resulting in unnecessary follow-ups and added costs.
The potential of the miONCO test lies in its ability to revolutionize cancer screening by providing a more accurate and accessible method for early detection. The investment in this technology reflects a commitment to improving cancer care and survival rates in the UK. Researchers are optimistic that advancements in medical science, coupled with the NHS’s potential, will lead to a brighter future for cancer treatment in the country.