Key points from article :
Blood test developed by US-based company Grail can detect more than 50 types of cancer before any clinical signs or symptoms.
The test looks for chemical changes in fragments of genetic code, which leak from tumours into the bloodstream.
Scientists analysed the test in 2,823 people with the disease and 1,254 people without.
It correctly identified cancer in 51.5% of cases, and wrongly detected in only 0.5% of cases.
Oesophageal, liver and pancreatic cancers, which do not have screening options.
Showed a positive test result of 65.6% compared to cancers which have screening options.
False positives are low which is important as this will avoid misdiagnoses.
The results of the NHS pilot of the test, are expected by 2023.
Dr Eric Klein, first author on the research, says "... the multi-cancer detection test could have a profound impact on how cancer is detected and, ultimately, on public health"
Prof Peter Johnson, national NHS clinical director for cancer: “... this could help the NHS meet its ambitious target of finding three-quarters of cancers at an early stag"
Research by Cleveland Clinic published by Annals of Oncology.
