PEOPLE in Redditch are being invited to help the NHS trial a new cancer test.
The town is one of a handful in Worcestershire and Herefordshire selected to take part in the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
People in Redditch, Worcester City, Hereford City, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster aged 50-77 are being asked to look out over the coming weeks for a letter from the NHS inviting them to volunteer for the trial.
Participants, who must not have had a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the last three years, will have a small blood sample taken at a mobile clinic from December 6 to January 8, 2022.
They will be invited back after 12 months, and again at two years, to give further blood samples.
The potentially lifesaving Galleri™ test checks for the earliest signs of cancer in the blood and the NHS-Galleri trial, the first of its kind, aims to recruit 140,000 volunteers nationally, including thousands in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, to see how well the test works in the NHS.
The trial team are inviting people from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities to ensure results are relevant for as many different people as possible.
Dr Carl Ellson, medical director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: “Most of us are now aware of the benefits of finding cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.
“By taking part in this trial, people will be at the forefront of developing a test that has the potential to save lives from cancer in England and around the world.
“Registering for the trial is easy – just look out for the letter which will show you how to book an appointment online or over the phone.”
Sarah Hughes, of Cancer Alliances Midlands said: “If you receive a letter, please do consider volunteering as soon as you can by booking an appointment online or over the phone while the clinic is based in your area.”
The trial is the latest initiative launched by the NHS to meet its Long Term Plan commitment of finding three-quarters of cancers at an early stage by 2028.
Patients whose condition is diagnosed at ‘stage one’ typically have between five and 10 times the chance of surviving compared with those found at ‘stage four’.
