Wiganers urged to join pioneering trial of blood test that detects 50 cancers

The potentially life-saving Galleri test checks for the earliest signs of cancer in the blood and has been shown to be particularly effective at finding cancers that are difficult to identify early, such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic and throat cancers.

Selected residents aged 50 to 77 in Wigan, who have received a letter from the NHS inviting them to participate in the NHS-Galleri trial, are being urged to book their appointment before the mobile clinic leaves on March 31.

Alison Armstrong, associate director at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We know from other trial locations that slots at the mobile clinics book up rapidly so, if you have been invited, please do register for the trial as soon as you can. It is easy to book online or by phone by following details in your invitation letter or checking out www.galleri.org. You could be part of a study that has the potential to transform early cancer diagnosis.”

Participants, who must not have had a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the last three years, will watch an animation about the trial, ask questions and give a blood sample at their first appointment.

They will be invited back after 12 months and two years to give further blood samples.

Dr Liam Hosie, cancer lead GP for Wigan CCG, said: “The Galleri test is really special as it can potentially find cancers before symptoms even appear. Diagnosing cancer as early as possible makes it much more treatable and improves chances of survival.