Early Cancer Detection: Why We Need a Better Approach – And What You Can Do Now

At Sirona Health, we’re always thinking about how to offer women better ways to take charge of their health. One of the biggest global challenges we face is cancer. Worldwide, more than 20 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year – and around 10 million die from it. Worryingly, over 90% of cancers are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors, not genetics. That means prevention and early detection could make an enormous difference.

Cancer is Rising – But Screening Hasn’t Kept Up

The global burden of cancer is increasing across almost every country. Australia has the highest cancer incidence in the world per capita, but the UK and US follow closely behind. In the US, over 2 million people are diagnosed each year – and 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

The most common cancers in women are breast and lung cancer, with pancreatic and colorectal cancers also rising sharply. Yet many of the cancers causing the highest number of deaths have no current screening guidelines. This means they’re often caught too late, when treatment options are more limited and outcomes poorer.

Why Aren’t We Catching It Sooner?

Current screening tests (like mammograms, cervical smears, and colonoscopies) are invasive, time-consuming, and not 100% accurate. For example:

• The positive predictive value of a mammogram – the chance that a positive result really means cancer – is only 4.4%.

• False positives are common. Around 50% of women will receive at least one false positive over their lifetime, which can lead to unnecessary stress, tests, or even biopsies.

• Adherence to screening is also poor. In the US, only 65% of women aged 30–65 are up to date with cervical cancer screening.

This doesn’t just impact individuals – it affects entire communities. Screening rates are especially low in minority and lower-income populations, and cancer mortality is still highest among Black women in both the UK and US.

Screening Is Imperfect – But Earlier Detection Saves Lives

We know that cancers caught early are more treatable and have dramatically better outcomes. For example, survival from breast cancer is 89% when caught at stage 1, compared to 21% when diagnosed later.

But traditional screening only covers about 28% of all cancer diagnoses, and many fast-growing or rare cancers fall outside of existing screening guidelines. Clearly, we need a better, more inclusive approach.

The Future: Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED)

Emerging technologies are changing the game. New blood-based screening tests can detect DNA and protein markers from tumours – potentially identifying multiple cancers before symptoms even begin. These tests aim to:

• Identify cancer earlier and with higher accuracy

• Reduce false positives

• Indicate the tissue of origin, so follow-up scans can be more targeted

• Be less invasive and more accessible

One such test gaining attention in the UK is Galleri, a multi-cancer early detection test. However, Galleri is not currently available in the UK for general use.

What Is Available in the UK? Introducing TruCheck™

If you're interested in private cancer screening, the TruCheck™ test is an innovative option now available in the UK. It is a blood test that can screen for 70+ types of solid organ cancers, including those with no existing screening protocols.

TruCheck works by detecting circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in your blood, and it can even suggest the likely site of origin. It's non-invasive, done via a simple blood draw, and doesn’t require any radiation or sedation.

While it’s not yet part of NHS screening programmes, TruCheck can be arranged privately, and may offer peace of mind for women who:

• Have a family history of cancer

• Are aged 40+ and want a more proactive approach

• Are looking for a single test to screen for multiple cancers

At Sirona Health, we can help you understand whether TruCheck is right for you – and support you in accessing private early detection options.

Why It Matters

Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease – and early detection is still our best weapon. Screening saves lives, but our current model isn’t catching enough cases early enough. By improving access, awareness, and embracing new technologies, we can shift from late-stage diagnosis to preventative, proactive care.

Whether you’re up to date with all your NHS screening or exploring newer options like TruCheck, we’re here to support you. Your health is your power – and knowledge is the first step.

Want to find out more about TruCheck or book a women’s health consultation?
Visit www.sironahealth.co.uk/appointments or email us directly to discuss your options.