New blood test can detect if cancer will return a year before scans can see it and raise survival chances

A NEW blood test  can show if cancer will return a year before it appears on X-rays or CT scans.

Scientists believe it will allow docs to target the tumour earlier and raise survival chances.

The trial was on lung cancer but experts believe the breakthrough will apply to all types.

They took samples from tumours removed in surgery and analysed the defective DNA.

Blood tests were taken every three months after the surgery to see if clusters of cells re-emerged. The tumours are thought to have a volume of just 0.3 cubic millimetres when the test catches them.

Experts say lung cancer relapse occurs in up to half of all patients. The new tests have alerted 13 patients of a recurrence and given others an all-clear.

A second project found tumours with “chaotic” DNA were more likely to come back, and hide from the immune system.

Experts hope understanding this will aid drug development.  Cancer Research UK said the studies were an important step in the right directon.