New blood test can tell if cancer has spread around the body

The test could be performed at a GP practice and would help doctors prioritize patients with widespread and later-stage cancer

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Cancer researchers have developed a blood test that could improve diagnosis and treatment for patients. The test is the first to be able to detect not only the presence of cancer but also the spread of the disease around the body, which is often categorized in cancer stages.

Currently, patients diagnosed with cancer have to undergo imaging and testing so doctors can tell if it has spread to any other part of the body. Cancer that has spread is called metastatic cancer.