REDDITCH residents are being invited to help the NHS trial a new cancer treatment.

It is the world’s largest trial of a new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.

People in Redditch aged between 50 and 77 are being asked to look out for a letter over the coming weeks from the NHS inviting them to volunteer for the trial.

Participants 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.

Dr Carl Ellson, medical director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG said: “By taking part in this trial, the people of the identified locations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire 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.”

The potentially lifesaving Galleri test checks for the earliest signs of cancer in the blood and the trial, the first of its kind, aims to recruit 140,000 volunteers nationally.

West Midlands Cancer Alliance is helping to ensure that participants who test positive in this region get the necessary follow-up appointments.

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Sarah Hughes, managing director 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.”

Initial results of the study are expected by 2023 and, if successful, NHS England plans to extend the rollout to a further one million people in 2024 and 2025.