New Exeter blood test pilot aims to detect cancer earlier as World Cancer Day marked

A new cancer detection initiative aimed at spotting early warning signs through routine blood tests is being rolled out to GP practices in Exeter as World Cancer Day is marked today (Wednesday 4 February).

A pilot scheme called High or Elevated Level of Platelets (HELP) Flag has now been rolled out to 60 GP practices across Devon, including several in Exeter, and has also launched in Liverpool. 

The HELP Flag expansion comes on World Cancer Day, a global awareness day observed on 4 February that highlights the importance of early detection and improved treatment.

Across the UK, cancer remains one of the most common serious illnesses. According to Macmillan, more than 420,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, at a rate of roughly one diagnosis every 90 seconds. 

Recent NHS England figures show that early cancer detection is improving. Nearly three in five cancer patients in England are now diagnosed at stages one or two, when the disease is generally more treatable. 

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This represents a rise compared with previous years, reflecting ongoing efforts to encourage screening and prompt GP appointments. 

NHS England continues to stress that finding cancer early is one of the most important factors in improving survival and treatment outcomes.

Locally, the HELP Flag project marks one of several initiatives within Devon to harness research and technology to support earlier cancer detection and intervention. 

With around 500,000 routine blood tests processed annually by Royal Devon labs, the new algorithm could significantly increase the number of patients whose results prompt further investigation by their GP.

The project uses a new algorithm developed by the University of Exeter with Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (RDUH) to analyse routine blood tests more accurately and alert GPs if a patient’s platelet level suggests raised cancer risk.

Platelet counts form part of standard blood tests but until now, personalised variations due to age and sex were not routinely factored in when interpreting results. 

Professor Sarah Bailey, the University of Exeter and project lead, said the system sends a direct alert to the GP when it flags a patient is at elevated risk. 

“The first step is to look for a known cause - the vast majority of patients with a raised platelet count do not have cancer - and GPs are prompted to check for common causes first,” she explained. 

Results from the Devon-based pilot are expected in July 2027.

Professor Bailey confirmed the algorithm is now active in practices across Exeter and wider Devon, and expressed hope the approach could improve early cancer detection locally. 

“Exeter residents were some of the first to benefit from the HELP Flag thanks to the innovation and strong partnership between the University of Exeter, the RDUH, and the Peninsula Cancer Alliance. We hope this means earlier diagnosis for many residents in the coming months,” she said. 

Professor Tim McDonald, clinical director for pathology at RDUH, said the system is “straightforward to add to routine tests” and could help GPs identify cancer earlier, which is crucial for better treatment outcomes. 

Funded by philanthropist David Walton and supported by several health research organisations, the pilot builds on earlier research that analysed millions of health records and found tailored platelet thresholds could aid earlier cancer detection.

As World Cancer Day highlights the importance of early detection, the HELP Flag project is being assessed for its potential to support earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients in Exeter.