Cancer Help at Vine House

Healthwatch Lancashire partnered with Cancer Help at Vine House, Preston, to host a focus group event with Professor Richard Neal and Kerry Hope of Exeter University. The event was around a new type of blood test called the PinPoint test which will be carried out by GPs to look at an individual’s likelihood of developing cancer.

Professor Neal gave a presentation about the blood test, how it will work and which groups of people will be able to use the test. He then asked questions about how the group felt about the test, and how they would like appointments and referrals to be carried out around this. The group were very positive about the test and was eager to find out how it would work. There were lots of questions about who would be able to access it, how it would tie in with other cancer tests carried out by specialists, and when it would be available. Some of the group represented cancer support groups who were interested in how the test would enable early detection and faster treatment thus potentially saving many more lives. The group ended the session with tea and cake and lots more chats.

We were one of five focus groups run by Healthwatch across England for the PinPoint blood test, and Professor Neal and his colleague Kerry Hope will now be analysing all the feedback they have gained we are really looking forward to seeing this pioneering blood test in use in the future.

A big thank you to all those involved, and to Cancer Help at Vine House for being great hosts.