A new NHS trial will assess whether a blood test can help GPs identify patients with vague abdominal symptoms who need urgent cancer investigations. This is promising news, but not yet routine, and cannot replace careful assessment and follow-up.
What is the new test?
The government-funded STRIDE-RCT trial will involve more than 20,000 patients aged 45 and over across at least 200 GP practices in England. Patients with persistent abdominal symptoms will provide one or two tubes of blood, and the tests will look for proteins, DNA fragments, and other cancer signals. Then, they may suggest where a suspected tumour originated.
A positive result would support further investigation, not confirm cancer; a negative result would not guarantee an all-clear. False positives may cause unnecessary anxiety and investigation, while false negatives may create false reassurance. The trial will assess whether the tests are accurate enough for wider NHS use.
Why earlier cancer diagnosis matters
Earlier diagnosis can provide more treatment options for people and a better prospect of successful treatment and recovery. The test could be especially useful where symptoms are persistent but non-specific, helping GPs decide who needs imaging, specialist assessment, or urgent referral. Results must still be considered alongside the patient’s history, examination, risk factors, and continuing symptoms.
What could change for GPs?
The trial does not mean every GP should order the test or that failing to do so is negligent. If it is later commissioned and incorporated into guidance, scrutiny may focus on whether a GP recognized persistent symptoms, ordered a clinically indicated test, acted on a concerning result, referred promptly, and provided suitable safety-netting. Access, eligibility, guidance, and reasonable practice at the date of care would remain relevant.
When might delayed diagnosis amount to medical negligence?
As we know, a late diagnosis or poor outcome does not automatically mean treatment has been negligent. A patient generally must show that their care fell below the reasonable standard expected at the time, and that the failing probably caused avoidable harm. A breach might involve their healthcare professional failing to investigate, repeat a test, refer, follow up, or give clear safety-netting advice.
How wider use of this test could affect future cancer negligence claims
If testing becomes routine, claims may examine whether an eligible patient was offered it, whether a concerning result was acted on, and whether persistent symptoms were revisited after a negative result. Other potential scenarios include repeated attendances without further investigation, an overlooked result, an uncompleted referral, or use of a non-urgent pathway despite concerning features.
Equally, a documented assessment, reasoned decision, and clear follow-up advice may show that the GP acted reasonably. Standards will develop as evidence, commissioning, training, guidance, and access evolve.
Practical takeaways for patients and families
- Do not treat any blood test as conclusive; ask whether further investigation is needed.
- Return to your GP if symptoms persist, worsen, or change, even after a reassuring result.
- Keep a record of symptoms, appointments, results, and follow-up advice.
- If you suspect a harmful delay, request the records and seek specialist advice promptly; time limits may apply.
A promising development, but not a substitute for attentive care
STRIDE-RCT offers genuine hope of faster answers and earlier treatment. If this test becomes established practice, healthcare systems will need reliable processes for identifying eligible patients, acting on results, referring promptly, and following up continuing symptoms.
Anyone concerned that their symptoms were not investigated, a referral was delayed, or results were not acted on should consider advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor. Feel free to contact our team free on 0808 164 0808 or request a call back, and we will call you.
Sources and scope
Sources: BBC report and Department of Health and Social Care announcement on STRIDE-RCT, both dated 4 November 2026; NICE guideline NG12.
This article is general information, not advice on an individual case.
