Scientists developing cancer blood test

A team of scientists are investigating whether a blood test could provide an early warning for breast cancer in women with a strong family history of the disease.

Scientists at the University of Leicester aim to improve cancer screening and monitoring, with the hope that this could in turn enhance patient prognosis.

The university has now been provided with £90,000 from the Maria Tilton Research Fellowship in order to continue with its research.

Dr Jacqui Shaw, of the University Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, said: "The clear potential value of this research is that earlier detection may lead to improved patient outcomes. In addition, if a blood test can predict progression of the disease this could help doctors to decide on therapy earlier, which could achieve a more successful outcome."

Recently, the University of Leeds developed a vaccine which could be used to treat prostate cancer, proving itself successful in studies on mice.