The NHS has launched a new trial to see if blood tests can spot cancers.

The trial will be launched at at least 200 GP practices in England and is aimed at providing earlier diagnosis for a range of the most common cancers.

More than 20,000 NHS patients are set to take part in the trial, which will look at whether simple blood tests can spot prostate, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic, stomach, liver, and other abdominal cancers.

Those aged 45 and over who visit their GP with abdominal symptoms, like persistent bloating or discomfort, will be offered the chance to take part in the trial. 

The blood tests aim to detect early markers of cancer, before more severe symptoms develop, which could offer a chance to catch and treat major cancers before they progress.

Around nine in ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage 1 survive at least five years, compared with around one in ten at stage 4.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper said: "The earlier cancers are diagnosed, the more chance they can be successfully treated, and lives can be saved. This world-first trial will establish whether simple blood tests can help GPs identify much sooner the patients who need urgent support.

"Innovations like these are a key part of our National Cancer Plan, which will provide faster diagnosis, more effective treatment, and better care for every patient, while also investing in the trials and technology that offer hope of curing cancer for good."

Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said: "Cancer affects all of us at some point in our lives, and millions of people up and down the country will know how it feels to face that awful uncertainty while they wait for a diagnosis. Finding cases early is key – giving patients a clear path to treatment and helping save lives.

"The UK is a world leader in medical science research, and this trial shows how important that leadership is in bringing forward breakthroughs that can make a real difference to people."