[Ammi]

A blood test that could detect 12 cancers is being developed by scientists at a British university, the health secretary has said.

"Just a couple of drops of blood could tell you if you had lung, breast or bladder cancer, helping end months-long waits for tests and scans," Wes Streeting added.

Academics from the University of Southampton will lead a team working on the new diagnostic tool, the health secretary explained.

It is one of a series of innovations, including personalised immunotherapy treatments, that could share public and private sector investment worth £148m.

Others may include cheaper scanners that help to detect early signs of cancer, and artificial intelligence to diagnose cancer through data shared across the NHS, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Research hubs will be created at University College London, the University of Liverpool, the University of Bristol, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh.

The investments will help to produce "cutting-edge treatments", Mr Streeting said.

"Catching cancer earlier" will also "boost the UK's economic growth", he added.

Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, said that while new technologies offer the hope of "longer, healthier lives", they could also "unleash a torrent of investment into life sciences that will boost jobs, opportunities and growth".

Life sciences will be at the heart of the International Investment Summit to be held on 14 October, he said.



"As a cancer survivor, I know how vital an early cancer diagnosis and the latest treatments are," Mr Streeting said.

"This investment will not only save lives, but also secure Britain's status as a powerhouse for life sciences and medical technology."

[Cherie]

That would be a fantastic advancement, I had a blood test a few weeks ago at my GP and the results were online the same day, so that would be pretty impressive if this is successful

[thesheriff443]

Try getting a blood test in the first place

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by thesheriff443

Try getting a blood test in the first place

If you want a blood test go to your GP surgery and they will arrange it for you you dont need to see a GP to request a blood test

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by Cherie

If you want a blood test go to your GP surgery and they will arrange it for you you dont need to see a GP to request a blood test

You'd generally need some symptoms first though or be in a higher risk category for something

[arista]

Originally Posted by MTVN

You'd generally need some symptoms first though or be in a higher risk category for something

Yes they check for Diabetes alot
The Surgery Nurse does that

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by MTVN

You'd generally need some symptoms first though or be in a higher risk category for something

Of course, I doubt you would ask for a blood test unless you had a concern?

after 50 you get put in the system for a yearly blood test, Sherriff must be there now