Ground-breaking blood test shows promise for early detection of head & neck and other hard-to-screen cancers 

A new large-scale trial has found that the blood-based screening test known as Galleri test can detect more than 50 types of cancer – including cancers of the head and neck, which currently have no routine screening programme – and may significantly boost early diagnosis. 

The trial showed that, when used alongside existing screening methods, the test identified cancers at an early, more treatable stage, and correctly ruled out cancer in over 99% of individuals without disease. 

Key findings 

• In a cohort of more than 23,000 adults with at least 12 months’ follow-up, the addition of the Galleri test to standard screening increased cancer detection by more than seven-fold. 

• Over 53% of cancers detected by the test were at Stage I or II, when outcomes tend to be better. 

• The test pinpointed the organ or tissue origin of the cancer signal in 92% of cases. 

• Importantly for our community, the test is capable of detecting cancers such as head and neck, pancreatic, ovarian, liver and stomach – many of which currently lack screening programmes. 

Why this matters for head & neck cancer 

Head and neck cancers are often diagnosed late, when treatment options are more limited and outcomes poorer. A screening approach that might flag these tumours earlier could be transformational. As the trial authors noted: detecting cancer before symptoms appear – when it is more likely to be curable – is a fundamental shift in how we think about diagnosis. 

What it doesn’t (yet) do 

While the results are promising, this test is not a standalone diagnostic tool and more evidence is needed on whether it will reduce mortality (i.e., deaths) from cancer. Experts caution that detection is only the first step; outcome benefits must be demonstrated. 

The UK-based trial of the Galleri test (the NHS‑Galleri trial) is ongoing and involves around 140,000 participants aged 50–77. Early results are expected in the coming year. 

Quote from our CEO 

“For many people affected by head and neck cancer, the biggest barrier is that the disease is found too late. This research offers a glimpse of a future where a simple blood test might detect such cancers when treatment success is highest. We look forward to the upcoming UK trial results and stand ready to champion innovation that improves outcomes for our community.” 
– Gareth Thomas, interim CEO, Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK 

Next steps 

• We will continue to monitor the results of the NHS-Galleri trial and other research to assess how and when this type of screening might be implemented in the UK. 
   

• Our organisation is committed to raising awareness that early detection saves lives – especially for cancers like head and neck which currently lack screening. 
   

• We encourage people to continue their usual cancer-prevention behaviours (avoiding tobacco, getting HPV vaccination where eligible) and to seek medical advice for any persistent symptoms. 
   

For more detailed information about the Galleri trial, visit NHS-Galleri trial website.