Thousands of Rochdale residents to trial ‘revolutionary’ new NHS cancer test
Participants, who must not have had a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the last three years, are being asked to look out for a letter inviting them to take part in the test
Thousands of people in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have been invited tot take part in a new test for cancer.
People in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) aged 50-77 are being asked to trial the revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
Participants, who must not have had a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the last three years, are being asked to look out for a letter inviting them to take part in the test.
Those invited will have a small blood sample taken at a mobile clinic based in Rochdale during the month of February.
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 Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.
Dr Carolyn Walker, Macmillan GP and clinical lead for cancer at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group said: “What makes the Galleri-test so special is the potential to spot cancers long before symptoms even appear.
“Diagnosing cancer as early as possible means patients can start treatment before their cancer progresses and improve chances of survival.
“We are delighted that Rochdale has been chosen to be involved in this important trial and I would encourage anyone who is invited to take part, to please do so as soon as possible.
“This is your chance to be part of some ground-breaking work to develop a test that has the potential to save lives, not just locally in Rochdale but across the UK and around the world.”
The trial team is keen to attract volunteers from different background and ethnicities to ensure results are relevant for as many different people as possible.
The test is a simple blood test that research has shown is particularly effective at finding cancers that are difficult to identify early – such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers.
It works by finding chemical changes in fragments of genetic code – cell-free DNA (cfDNA) – that leak from tumours into the bloodstream.
All participants will be advised to continue with their standard NHS screening appointments and to still contact their GP if they notice any new or unusual symptoms.
Dr David Levy, Regional Medical Director for NHS England North West said: “Most of us are now aware of the benefits of finding cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.
“Galleri has already been taken up by other parts of the North West and by taking part in this trial, the people of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale will be at the forefront of receiving a test that has the potential to save lives from cancer in the UK 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.”
