Improving early cancer detection through innovative blood test analysis
Earlier cancer diagnosis is a key NHS priority, yet it remains a significant challenge – with many cancers diagnosed late, often after emergency presentation.
Routine blood tests, particularly platelet counts, contain signals that could indicate early cancer risk. However, traditional interpretation uses fixed thresholds, meaning that subtle abnormalities, such as raised platelet counts in older adults, may not be consistently identified and opportunities for timely investigation may be missed. As a result, patients across the UK face delayed diagnoses, leading to poorer survival outcomes and greater treatment burden.
To address this, our HRC worked with researchers at the University of Exeter and the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to develop the HELP Flag system: an algorithm that analyses routine full blood counts using personalised age- and sex-adjusted platelet thresholds to flag elevated cancer risk.
When a patients’ platelet count meets HELP Flag criteria, a digital alert is returned with the blood test result into GP clinical systems, prompting consideration for monitoring, further testing or referral.
Aiming to complement, not replace, current haematology referral, advice and guidance pathways, it also integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory and clinical workflows, requiring no additional software or manual data entry. This minimises administrative burden, while supporting reductions in late‑stage cancer treatment costs through earlier diagnosis.
An initial pilot in five GP practices identified patients who might benefit from earlier investigation. Following successful evaluation, the programme has expanded to 60 GP practices across Devon, covering approximately 500,000 blood tests per year. It has now also expanded to Liverpool.
To support development, our HRC:
- Connected University of Exeter researchers with NHS partners to support real-world implementation and evaluation
- Accelerated the development and adoption of innovative approaches to earlier cancer diagnosis
- Provided expertise in service evaluation, evidence generation and pathway integration
- Supported collaboration across primary care, laboratory services and healthcare systems to maximise impact
