NHS First to Roll Out Blood Test to Speed Up Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction

The NHS in England is the first health system globally to implement a ‘blood test-first’ approach for some cancer patients. The test, known as a liquid biopsy, looks for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in a patient’s blood to identify genetic mutations.

Benefits for Lung Cancer Patients

For eligible lung cancer patients, the liquid biopsy can be used when a traditional tissue biopsy is not possible or delays treatment. The blood test can identify the right targeted therapy faster and more comfortably for patients.

It could help around 15,000 people a year and save up to £11 million by avoiding unnecessary treatments and hospital stays.

Expansion to Breast Cancer

The NHS is also using the test for people with advanced breast cancer, helping identify treatments that may work best based on the cancer’s genetic profile. Around 5,000 people with advanced breast cancer are expected to benefit each year.

Supporting Quotes

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said the NHS is “leading the way in cancer care” by offering “more targeted and kinder care.”

Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England, described it as a “step-change in care,” allowing clinicians to detect “genomic mutations in the fragments of cancer” in the bloodstream.

Conclusion

The rollout of liquid biopsies marks a major advancement in cancer care, offering faster, less invasive, and more personalised treatment for thousands of NHS patients each year.

Citation:
NHS England. (2025, May 30). NHS first in world to roll out ‘revolutionary’ blood test for cancer patients. NHS England