A £5 spit test which predicts the risk of cancer could be available on the NHS within five years.

The test would use saliva or blood and could be trialled within 18 months. The test is designed to detect those who are genetically at high risk of breast cancer and prostate tumours. Samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis but it is hoped in time it will be possible to get instant results at your GP’s surgery. This exciting breakthrough has come about after four years of genetic analysis by more than 1000 scientist. By comparing the DNA of cancer patients and healthy men and women, they more than doubled the number of genes linked to breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Around 150 breast and prostate cancer genes have now been identified.