Out of every 1,000 kids who catch measles, one might get a serious brain swelling. Up to three could even die from it.

This year is shaping up to be another bad one for measles. In the first eight weeks alone, over 1,100 cases were reported – that’s six times more than what’s normal for a whole year.

It’s really disappointing because there’s a safe vaccine that works great against measles and its nasty side effects.

Measles is no joke – it can hit any healthy kid hard.

But almost all the cases so far – about 96% – are in people who aren’t fully vaccinated. Over 80% are in kids and teens, with one in four under age five.

Last year, there were nearly 2,300 cases – the most in over 30 years, way more than any year since it was thought to be gone in 2000.

Three people died last year: two kids and one adult, all unvaccinated.

That’s about the expected rate of one to three deaths per 1,000 cases. So yeah, more deaths are likely on the way.

It’s heartbreaking. When folks skip vaccines, you get more sickness, more hospital stays, and more deaths. Kids are dying from something that’s totally preventable because parents are more scared of the vaccine than the disease itself.

More than half the states have had cases this year, with at least three big outbreaks still growing.

A huge outbreak up in one area has racked up at least 985 cases since October.

It’s in a spot where not many people are vaccinated. Almost all cases  over 93% are in unvaccinated folks.

No deaths yet, but there have been bad complications like lung infections and brain issues that can cause deafness or other long-term problems. Some pregnant women needed special treatment after getting exposed.

Nearly 17,000 vaccines were given out in January, even using mobile units to reach more people.

These steps are to cut down on spread and keep everyone safe, especially in busy spots like hospitals.

New cases have slowed down lately  down to under two dozen last week from a peak of nearly 250 in mid-January.

Read also:

WHO AFRO Unveils Groundbreaking Competency Based Curricula to Transform Health Workforce Training in Africa

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This slowdown came a bit earlier than expected, thanks to quick work spotting cases, warning people, and getting folks quarantined.

Boosting vaccinations has helped too. January was one of the best months for shots in years. But there’s still more to do to get everyone covered.

The outbreak isn’t over, there are still pockets of people who aren’t protected, which could keep it going.

Staff are working hard on tracking contacts and managing data.

They’re also getting extra help to analyze everything and learn how to stop it better.

And measles is still spreading strong in other areas.

Cases have popped up in several states linked to this outbreak, like some with 23 cases since December – more than five times what they’ve seen in the last decade.

Outbreaks in other regions are ongoing too, with hundreds of cases since summer in some spots.

A newer one along the coast has exploded to at least 83 cases in the past month.

It’s centered around a college in a close community. Most cases seem to be students, but details on ages or vaccination status aren’t out there.

While kids make up most recent cases, adults can get hit just as hard or worse, especially with lung problems.

The older you are when you catch it, the tougher it can be.

Vaccine doubts have grown, putting more young kids at risk.

Measles is a tough virus.

Talk to your doctor about it the one who knows you and your family best. Have that chat and really listen.

It was thought to be eliminated back in 2000, but ongoing spread is putting that at risk. There might be a decision soon on whether that status holds.

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Experts are advising everyone to steer clear of picking wild mushrooms altogether because death caps look a lot like safe, edible ones. Since mid-November, over three dozen cases of poisoning have been reported, leading to those deaths and transplants. Many folks ended up with severe liver damage that hit fast, some even needing intensive care. The victims ranged from toddlers as young as 19 months to adults up to 67 years old.

Death caps are among the world’s deadliest mushrooms, packed with powerful toxins that cause most fatal mushroom poisonings globally. You’ll find them in city parks, forests, often under oak trees.

Usually, there are just a handful of these poisonings each year, but this season’s been way worse nearly 40 cases so far. The combo of warm fall weather and early rains has caused a massive surge in these mushrooms.

Even a tiny bite can kill you, and color isn’t a good clue for safety. Cooking, drying, or eating them raw doesn’t neutralize the poison.

One family in Northern California thought the mushrooms resembled ones they safely foraged back home. The parents ate them twice once fresh, then in soup and got terribly sick with vomiting, missing work. The mom spent days in the hospital, and the dad needed a liver transplant. Luckily, their kids skipped the mushrooms.

Symptoms can start with stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting within a day, and things can spiral quickly. Sometimes early signs fade, but liver failure can still kick in a couple days later.

These mushrooms have been spotted in parks across Northern and Central California, especially around Monterey and the Bay Area.

Many of those affected speak Spanish, Mixteco, or Mandarin, so warnings are going out in multiple languages. Over 60% of cases involved Spanish speakers.

Death caps mimic safe varieties from different parts of the world and change looks as they grow from brownish-white to greenish caps. Unless you’re a pro, it’s tough to tell them apart.

Kids have been hit too, so keep an eye on little ones and pets outdoors where mushrooms grow. Stick to buying from stores or trusted sellers.

If you think you’ve eaten a bad mushroom, get medical help right away treatment’s harder once symptoms ramp up.

Nationwide, mushroom exposures of all kinds jumped 40% from September to January compared to last year, though not all lead to sickness.

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The organization is calling on world leaders to renew their commitment to international support, warning that many countries hardest hit by HIV cannot sustain the response on domestic funding alone. According to UNAIDS, the global effort has suffered its most serious setback in decades, with progress slowing and vulnerabilities widening.

A recent report highlights the need for increased investment in innovative and affordable HIV prevention and treatment. UNAIDS is pushing for faster access to new long-acting medicines such as lenacapavir, aiming to reach 20 million people while lowering treatment costs by allowing more manufacturers to produce at scale.

Today, an estimated 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide. In 2024 alone, 1.3 million new infections occurred, yet more than 9 million people still aren’t receiving the treatment they need. The ongoing cuts to international HIV funding in 2025 have worsened an already significant shortfall, hitting vulnerable communities particularly hard.

Women-led HIV organizations have been among the most affected, with more than 60% losing funding or being forced to stop operating altogether. Other essential prevention services are struggling as well—PrEP usage has dropped sharply in several countries, undermining efforts to curb new infections.

The report, titled Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response, details how reduced global support has sent shockwaves through low- and middle-income nations. These disruptions threaten years of hard-fought progress and jeopardize the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Forecasts for 2025 show external health assistance could fall by as much as 30–40% compared with 2023. UNAIDS warns that failure to reverse this trend could lead to 3.3 million additional new HIV infections between 2025 and 2030—an outcome that would set the global fight against HIV back by a generation.

On this World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is urging countries, donors, and global partners to recommit to the shared responsibility of protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that no community is left behind.

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The initiative marks the culmination of an intensive, multi-year effort to reshape how Africa trains, assesses and supports its health workers. Speaking shortly after the launch, Dr Champion Nyoni, Technical Officer for Health Workforce Education and Training at WHO AFRO, unpacked the journey that brought the project from concept to reality.

A response to fragmentation and misalignment

Dr Nyoni says the drive to create a regional competency based model began with a simple but urgent question: Are we training health professionals who can truly meet the needs of African communities?

For years, education systems across the continent have faced fragmentation, outdated curricula and a disconnect between what students learn in classrooms and what frontline practice demands.

“We were worried about the fragmentation of education, the disconnect between what students are taught and what they get to do in practice,” Dr Nyoni explained. The solution was to rethink and modernise the entire training pipeline.

Anchored in global standards, adapted for Africa

To guide the transformation, WHO drew from its global frameworks, including the Global Competency and Outcomes Framework for Universal Health Coverage.

At regional level, this framework was “operationalised” to ensure the outcomes reflect Africa’s realities, disease burdens, available resources and local health systems.

Over one and a half years, WHO AFRO mapped priority outcomes for each profession, asking what graduates must be able to do on the day they enter the workforce. This guided the structure and direction of the new curricula.

A continent-wide collaborative process

A key turning point was the establishment of the Curriculum Development Advisory Group—a panel of 16 senior experts drawn from across Africa, representing over 300 cumulative years of experience in health education, regulation and professional practice.

Their role was to provide strategic oversight and ensure the curricula reflected both scientific rigour and lived realities of African health systems.

Drafts were circulated widely: technical units within WHO, more than 300 stakeholders, member states, academic institutions and even students contributed to refining the framework. Each round of feedback strengthened the final product.

Shifting from exams to real-world competence

One of the most significant transformations in the new model is how competence is assessed.

“Previously competence meant writing an exam and passing a three-hour paper,” Dr Nyoni said. “Now the focus shifts to what you are actually able to do.”

Instead of theoretical recall, students will be evaluated on supervised clinical tasks, practical performance and ongoing feedback. Competence becomes a lived, demonstrated ability—not a test score.

Supporting countries to adopt and adapt

With the regional launch complete, WHO AFRO now turns to the next phase: helping countries turn the prototype curricula into national programmes.

“We need to cascade these documents from being regional documents to country-level documents,” Dr Nyoni noted. WHO will work closely with regulatory bodies and higher education institutions to adapt the model to each country’s context.

Parallel to this, WHO is developing African Health Professions Education Quality Standards, which will allow institutions to benchmark performance, harmonise training, and enable smoother movement of health workers across borders.

Towards a harmonised African health workforce

The long-term vision is clear: an Africa where countries share aligned training standards, where qualifications are mutually recognised, and where health workers can practise across borders without repetitive exams or re-training.

“Malaria in Congo and malaria in South Africa is still malaria,” Dr Nyoni said. “But countries need space to adapt the curricula to their treatment guidelines and realities.”

The prototype curricula provide a shared foundation, while giving countries the freedom to tailor training to national needs.

A historic turning point

The launch of Africa’s first regionally designed competency based health curricula represents one of the most ambitious education reforms in decades. It signals a shift towards modern, skills-based, people-centred training—one that aligns with Universal Health Coverage goals and strengthens Africa’s health workforce for generations to come.

As countries prepare to adopt and implement the new model, WHO AFRO will continue providing support, oversight and technical guidance to ensure that the continent’s next generation of health professionals is better equipped than ever before.

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Speaking at the event, Ms Shenaaz El-Halabi, WHO South Africa Country Representative, said the new curricula represent a major step forward in strengthening the quality, competence and public trust in Africa’s health workforce.

“I am extremely excited to be part of this groundbreaking moment,” she said. “These ten competency based curricula focus on the areas most needed and reflect extensive consultation on the priorities of our member states.”

A new era of trust and competence

El-Halabi emphasised that public trust in health workers is a foundational element of health systems and that the new models aim to ensure health workers are not only well trained but fully competent to deliver quality care.

“The public has placed trust in the health workforce. How do we make sure our health workforce is competent to deliver? These documents were developed through consultation to reflect what is needed in member states,” she said.

Turning guidance into real world action

As the WHO Country Office, El-Halabi explained that their role involves translating global and regional guidance into actionable national plans.

“We engage with member states in providing normative guidance and translating documents into action,” she said. “As WHO, we are here to support member states in implementing these high priority documents.”

She noted that the curricula respond to some of the most pressing concerns on the continent, including stagnating maternal and infant mortality rates, gaps in community health worker support and uneven training standards.

Cross sector collaboration is essential

El-Halabi stressed that the work ahead extends beyond the health sector.

“I look forward to working with the National Department of Health but also the education sector, because it goes beyond health,” she said.

Training institutions and WHO collaborating centres will also play a pivotal role in implementation, adaptation and scale up.

Institutionalisation and sustainability

While the launch marks a historic milestone, El-Halabi said a key priority now is ensuring the curricula become institutionalised within national systems.

“These documents are transformative, but how do we institutionalise them?” she asked. “We hope there will be further consultation within member states and engagement with all key partners to ensure these very important documents are used and sustained.”

She concluded by reaffirming WHO’s commitment to helping countries adopt, integrate and operationalise the new approach.

“I thank you,” she said. “And I look forward to continued collaboration to improve health outcomes in the country, in the continent and globally.”

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“I was overwhelmed. Emotional, actually,” he reflected moments after stepping off stage. “I’ve had awards before, but I don’t think there’s one I’ll cherish as much as this one.”

It was a rare glimpse into the inner world of a man whose name has become synonymous with African pharmaceutical innovation, global competitiveness and a decades long commitment to expanding access to life saving medicines across the continent.

A recognition of Aspen’s mission

For Saad, being named African of the Year is far more than a personal milestone.

“It is a recognition of all that we do as a company to facilitate healthcare across the continent,” he said. “From HIV and TB to COVID and now insulin, paediatric vaccines and GLP1 products that support diabetic and weight loss needs. Our focus is to make them affordable, to bring something new and to improve access. That is what keeps us going.”

He is clear that the honour reflects Aspen’s wider mission to ensure that Africans are never excluded from important global medical advancements.

A lifetime award that does not signal an ending

Receiving a lifetime award often suggests a closing chapter. Saad rejects that idea with a smile.

“Lifetime sounds like it is time for you to move on and I am not ready to move on,” he said. He jokes that he is not switching to an electric bicycle yet. He is a cyclist and still believes there is a long road ahead.

For him, this recognition offers a moment to reflect on decades of work, but it does not mark the end of the journey.

“I have worked in healthcare since my twenties. It has been over thirty years and it has been rewarding beyond awards. To help people, to contribute to society and to wake up energised with meaningful work has been a privilege.”

A career shaped by openness to opportunity

Looking at the scale of Aspen’s achievements, it is easy to assume a carefully designed blueprint. Saad insists that this was not the case.

“I had no strategy. Thirty years ago I never imagined I would be standing here speaking to you,” he said. “Each hurdle and each opportunity shaped the journey. You learn from the good times and you learn even more from the difficult times.”

His story, now honoured as that of a Lifetime Business Leader, is one of resilience, adaptability and belief in Africa’s potential to solve its own health challenges.

Still looking forward

What stands out most about Saad is his refusal to view this moment as the peak of his career.

“We have many things still to do at Aspen. Our journey is not over. I am not looking back. I am looking forward.”

For a man who has already changed the trajectory of African healthcare, that forward looking spirit may be the most important part of his legacy.

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Unlike implants or synthetic fillers, PRF works by tapping into the body’s natural regenerative potential. “The filler is effectively your own blood, but refined and enhanced,” explains Dr Reza Mia of Anti-Aging Art in Johannesburg.

“When blood is spun in a centrifuge, it separates into distinct components. The fraction we use, PRF, contains platelets, fibrin, and a concentration of growth factors. Once injected, those release signals that encourage new collagen, improved skin quality, and strengthen blood flow. The effect is not temporary swelling or puffiness that will fade in a few days, but real tissue conditioning that improves over time.” The effect is far greater than with PRP because the fibrin traps the platelets and their growth factors in place for 18 times longer.

While implants and hyaluronic fillers remain popular, they can come with major drawbacks. Notably,

implants are foreign bodies that can be felt inside the breast, while hyaluronic acid fillers risk scarring, inflammation, and even lumps that may cause false readings during breast exams.

“Nearly a third of patients using hyaluronic acid for breast augmentation experience some tissue damage or poor absorption. But because PRF treatments use your own blood and biology, there’s no risk of rejection, and no synthetic material that can harden or shift.”

Perfect timing for summer confidence

PRF results develop gradually, peaking after two to three months – making now the ideal time for those planning ahead to December. Initial sessions will create a subtle lift, but the most noticeable results come as collagen builds, skin thickens, and shape improves.

A complete PRF breast lift may involve multiple sessions. Each one adding more density and size to the breast. Splitting the desired volume over multiple sessions leads to a better result, This restricts stretching, more naturally integrating the fillers into the existing breast tissue, and results in layering for longer-lasting improvement.

“Downtime is minimal,” Dr Mia adds. “Patients may feel mild heaviness or light bruising for a day or two, but most are back to normal within the week. Early on, there’s a gentle fullness that will evolve into firmer, more youthful contours as collagen rebuilds beneath the skin and the growth factors work on the glands in the breast and the skin above them.

The new era of regenerative aesthetics

PRF treatments have long been used for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration, but their adaptation for breast lifts is changing the game – although very few South African clinics currently provide them as an option for breast enhancement. With years of experience enhancing patients’ breasts, Anti-Aging Art has become a leaerin this field.

Dr Mia notes, “The treatment is common for regenerating patients’ skin, especially in the face, addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, poor texture, scarring, and under-eye hollows. It has also shown positive results for treating traction alopecia, or balding from repeated strain on the scalp.

“Its application in breast lifts, however, is particularly significant because there is no other non-surgical alternative that achieves comparable results.”

However, he cautions that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. “We are very direct about what PRF can and cannot achieve. If a patient wants a dramatic increase in breast size, to correct severe sagging, or needs nipple repositioning, surgery is still the right choice. PRF works best for women with mild to moderate laxity or sagging, who want a more subtle but meaningful improvement without going under the knife.”

The cost of a PRF breast lift starts from as little as the cost of a good fragrance and can go up to an amount similar to that of a mid-range smartphone, depending on the volume used per session. For many, it offers better value – and fewer risks – than multiple filler syringes or implants. The natural feel and long-lasting results make PRF a very worthwhile investment, especially when maintained over time.

“Aesthetic medicine is evolving quickly, with growing emphasis on regenerative techniques that are even more effective and natural-looking. Platelet-rich fibrin is leading this shift, restoring and enhancing natural tissue instead of replacing it. For South African women who want to feel their best this summer, now is the ideal time to begin if they want to see the results they’re looking for in time for the holiday season,” Dr Mia concludes.

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Reality TV personality Nozipho Ntshangase, who has been open about her mommy makeover journey, recently sparked national conversation after sharing a glimpse of her natural-looking results. The surprise star of the show was her subtle, beautifully reconstructed navel created by Professor Chrysis Sofianos – one of South Africa’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Professor Sofianos notes that the online excitement over Ntshangase’s belly button mirrors a broader trend in aesthetic medicine, where many patients favour subtle, natural-looking enhancements over dramatic transformations.

“Today’s patients want to look like themselves, only more refined. The belly button may seem like a small detail, but it’s the visual anchor of the abdomen. When it’s shaped and positioned perfectly, everything feels balanced and proportionate – it completes the story in an authentic way.”

A subtle detail with serious implications

Notably, tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasties, have become increasingly popular across South Africa. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), as many as 1,808 tummy tucks were performed in 2023 alone, with demand steadily rising as more women seek post-pregnancy body restoration solutions.

But while attention often centres on the flatness of the stomach or tightness of the skin, he emphasises that the navel’s placement and shape can make or break the aesthetic outcome. “If it’s too high, too low, or unnaturally round, even an otherwise flawless tummy tuck can look off. A well-crafted belly button looks effortless, like it’s always belonged there.”

Reconstructing or repositioning the navel is also one of the most technically demanding parts of a tummy tuck. And when things go wrong, the consequences can be serious.

One of the most severe complications is tissue necrosis, where the navel loses its blood supply and the tissue dies, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery. Poor abdominal-wall repair can further cause umbilical hernias, producing painful bulges that may necessitate further surgeries. Additionally, a misaligned or puckered navel can interfere with healing, create visible scarring, and even compromise core-muscle function, contributing to back pain and posture issues down the line.

“These are preventable complications, but surgical experience and knowledge are crucial. When experience or attention to detail is lacking, even a millimetre miscalculation can change the entire outcome.”

Choosing the right hands

Professor Sofianos explains that meticulous technique and anatomical knowledge are essential for preserving the navel’s natural blood supply and contour. This includes careful dissection, repositioning through a new skin opening, and suturing that mimics the subtle inward pull of a naturally formed belly button.

“The belly button is small, but it’s also symbolic. It sits at the centre of the abdomen, which is the focal point of the body’s symmetry. A well-executed reconstruction blends science and artistry. When it fails, it’s immediately obvious.”

For patients considering a tummy tuck, he therefore recommends thorough vetting. “Choose an HPCSA-registered plastic surgeon with proven reconstructive experience. Plus, always review before-and-after images that show the navel – it can reveal a surgeon’s precision more than any other detail.”

Ultimately, the perfect innie isn’t about chasing trends, but about safeguarding health and restoring confidence. “In the plastic surgery field, the smallest details can carry the greatest significance, influencing surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. It’s absolutely vital to get it right.”

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In celebration of World Stroke Day on 29 October, South African music icon Lira and the Stroke Survivors Foundation (SSF) have joined forces to raise national awareness about stroke prevention, recovery, and survivor empowerment.

Through the campaign theme “Show Your Hand for Stroke Survivors,” the duo is launching the Blue Glove Challenge — a social movement calling on South Africans to wear one blue glove, take a photo, and post it with the hashtag #BlueGloveChallenge to stand in solidarity with survivors and families affected by stroke.

A Powerful Message of Hope

Lira, who had a stroke while touring in Germany in 2022, has since become a symbol of resilience and faith. Her journey back to the stage has inspired millions, showing that stroke recovery is possible with early intervention, community support, and perseverance.

“I lost my ability to speak for a while, but I never lost my song,” says Lira.

“Recovery is a journey — not a race. Through this campaign, I want every survivor to know: you can heal, you can rebuild, and your story still matters.”

Building Awareness, Saving Lives

George, stroke survivor and CEO of the Stroke Survivors Foundation, emphasised the urgent need for stroke awareness and prevention in South Africa, where more than 240 strokes occur every day.

“Stroke doesn’t discriminate – it affects young and old, men and women, every community,” says George.

“Recognising the signs early, saves lives. That is why we are teaching the BEFAST method:

Balance loss of balance, Eye blurred or loss of vision, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help.

Every second counts.”

He adds, “Our mission is to make sure no survivor walks alone. Through community networks, digital tools, and national initiatives like the Blue Glove Challenge, we’re turning awareness into action.”

Empowering Recovery Through Technology: The Strokefocus App

As part of its ongoing commitment to long-term rehabilitation, the Stroke Survivors Foundation also promotes the Strokefocus App, a free mobile platform designed for survivors, caregivers, and healthcare workers.

The app offers:

• Peer support groups and chatroom forums

• Educational videos on speech and mobility recovery

• Local rehabilitation and therapist directories

“The Strokefocus App brings support into survivors’ hands,” explains George.

“Even those in remote areas can now access guidance, encouragement, and resources in real time.”

Join the #BlueGloveChallenge

About the Stroke Survivors Foundation

Founded to empower and advocate for stroke survivors and their families, the Stroke Survivors Foundation (SSF) provides:

• Peer mentorship and caregiver training

• Rehabilitation awareness and referral networks

• National education on stroke prevention and early intervention

• Survivor-centered policy advocacy and inclusion programs

The Foundation’s message is simple yet profound:

“Recovery begins with awareness, and healing begins with community.”

Key Event & Media Opportunities

• World Stroke Day: Tuesday, 29 October 2025

• Live Media Appearances:

Power FM: Power Lunch with Kwena Moabelo

Newsroom Afrika

Campaign Hashtags:

#BlueGloveChallenge #StrokeAwarenessSA #WorldStrokeDay2025 #StrokeFocusApp #StrokeSurvivorsFoundation #LifeAfterStroke #ShowYourHandForHope

Closing Message

> “This World Stroke Day, we’re showing our hands for survivors – hands that heal, help, and hold belief,” says George.

“Together, with Lira’s voice and our national community, we can make stroke recovery visible, hopeful, and possible.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

info@strokesurvivors.org.za

www.strokesurvivors.org.za

+27 (0)10 006 5656

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: @StrokeSurvivorsFoundationSA

Join the #BlueGloveChallenge

To participate in the Blue Glove Challenge:

1. Wear one blue glove on your dominant hand as this symbolizes what stroke survivors experience when one side of the body becomes affected.

2. Do not use that hand for a while to reflect the daily challenges faced during stroke recovery.

3. Take a selfie showing your raised hand.

4. Post it online using #BlueGloveChallenge, #StrokeAwarenessSA, and #LifeAfterStroke.

5. Tag @StrokeSurvivorsFoundationSA and @Miss_Lira to spread the message of awareness and hope.

Schools, companies, and community groups are also invited to host Blue Glove Awareness Days during the week of 29 October.

Funds raised through the initiative support SSF’s outreach, rehabilitation programs, and survivor support services across South Africa.

Support the Stroke Survivors Foundation

The Stroke Survivors Foundation (SSF) relies on public donations and partnerships to continue its vital work — empowering stroke survivors, supporting families, and promoting national education on prevention and recovery.

Every contribution helps fund rehabilitation programs, outreach initiatives, and survivor mentorship networks across the country.

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The year-long trial followed 25,000 adults across the US and Canada. Nearly one in every 100 participants received a positive result, and cancer was later confirmed in 62% of those cases. Researchers say the test could revolutionize cancer detection by spotting the disease before symptoms appear.

Developed by the American firm Grail, the test works by identifying fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the blood. It correctly ruled out cancer in more than 99% of people who tested negative and accurately identified where the cancer originated in nine out of ten cases.

When combined with existing screenings for breast, bowel, and cervical cancer, Galleri increased total cancer detection seven-fold. Notably, three-quarters of cancers found were types that currently have no regular screening options, such as ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and bladder cancer.

Experts say the results are “very compelling,” with the potential to “fundamentally change” how cancer is diagnosed and treated. However, scientists emphasize that more research is needed to confirm whether early detection with this test will lead to fewer cancer deaths.

A large-scale NHS trial involving 140,000 participants in England is still underway, with results expected next year. If successful, the test could be offered to one million more people as part of a wider rollout.

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