People at high risk of pancreatic cancer to be tested by NHS before symptoms show
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GPs to comb patient records to spot early signs of killer disease
- The NHS is launching a pilot programme to offer urgent pancreatic cancer tests to at-risk patients.
- GP practices will identify individuals over 60 with key symptoms like new-onset diabetes or sudden weight loss, using digital health technology to analyse patient records.
- The initiative aims to improve early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which is often detected at an advanced stage and is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK.
- Over 300 GP practices across England will participate in the three-year pilot, which has received nearly £2 million in funding.
- NHS officials say that early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes for patients.