A groundbreaking blood test capable of identifying more than 50 different cancers could significantly accelerate diagnosis, according to new findings from a North American study. The test, known as Galleri and developed by US firm Grail, analyses fragments of tumour DNA circulating in the bloodstream. In trials involving 25,000 adults across the US and Canada, almost one in 100 received a positive result, with cancer confirmed in around 62% of those cases.

Researchers found that over half of the cancers detected were at an early and more treatable stage. Importantly, three-quarters of those cancers currently have no screening programme, including ovarian, pancreatic, and liver cancers. The Galleri test also accurately identified the source of cancer in nine out of ten cases, while ruling out cancer correctly in more than 99% of negative tests.

Lead researcher Dr Nima Nabavizadeh, from Oregon Health & Science University, said the technology could “transform” cancer screening by spotting tumours when treatment has the best chance of success. When used alongside standard NHS screening tests, detection rates rose seven-fold.

However, experts have urged caution until long-term data is available. Professor Clare Turnbull of the Institute of Cancer Research stressed that only large-scale trials—such as the ongoing NHS study involving 140,000 participants—will confirm whether earlier detection leads to fewer cancer deaths.

England’s NHS waiting list has grown for the third consecutive month, prompting fresh concerns that the government’s key pledge to reduce treatment delays is slipping out of reach. Figures show that by the end of August, 7.41 million people were waiting for routine procedures, up from 7.36 million in May. The proportion of patients waiting longer than the 18-week target has also increased, despite renewed efforts to tackle the backlog.

The government has promised to restore the 18-week standard by the end of this parliament, a goal last achieved a decade ago. Meeting this would require 92% of patients to begin treatment within the target time, but currently only 61% do so. Analysts say progress made earlier in the year has faltered, with waits lengthening again over the summer months.

Dr Francesca Cavallaro from the Health Foundation warned that current trends suggest the government will fall short of its pledge, calling the scale of the challenge “significant.” Professor Peter Friend of the Royal College of Surgeons said underinvestment and staff shortages continue to hinder recovery, urging “urgent action” to improve infrastructure and morale.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock defended the NHS, describing it as a “record-breaking” summer for scans and tests. He said new surgical hubs, extended hours, and advanced technology will help reduce waiting times in the months ahead.

As autumn settles in, many across the UK are battling coughs, colds, and sniffles - but are chilly temperatures really to blame? According to Dr Oscar Duke, a GP and TV presenter, it’s not the cold itself but our tendency to retreat indoors that fuels the spread. Enclosed spaces create the perfect environment for viruses to circulate, particularly in schools, nurseries, and university halls where close contact is unavoidable.

Distinguishing between a cold, flu, or Covid can be tricky as symptoms often overlap. Colds usually come on gradually, affecting the nose and throat, while flu strikes suddenly with fever, fatigue, and body aches. Covid, however, can cause loss of taste or smell and, in newer strains such as Stratus and Nimbus, a sharp sore throat and digestive upset. Dr Duke advises resting at home but urges those with breathing difficulties or lingering symptoms to seek medical help.

Recovery can be aided by simple remedies. Paracetamol or ibuprofen help ease fever and pain, and staying hydrated is vital. While vitamin C offers limited benefit, vitamin D supplements are recommended during darker months. Decongestant sprays can relieve stuffiness but should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion.

Finally, Dr Duke stresses the importance of vaccination. The NHS flu jab is free for eligible groups, including young children and vulnerable adults, and remains the best defence against severe seasonal illness.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has dismissed suggestions that private healthcare services could soon be subject to VAT, despite reports that the Treasury was exploring the option. Asked directly whether the idea was being considered, he replied firmly: “It’s not happening.” His remarks come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for her first Budget in November, under pressure to balance public finances without breaching Labour’s election pledges.

Reeves has faced mounting speculation over potential tax rises, with economists warning additional revenue will be needed to meet her borrowing rules. While Labour’s manifesto ruled out increases to VAT, National Insurance and income tax bands, ministers have stopped short of ruling out changes to how VAT is applied. At present, most private healthcare services are exempt from the 20% sales tax, aside from procedures deemed primarily cosmetic. By contrast, VAT on private school fees was introduced in January, with forecasts suggesting it could generate £1.7bn a year by 2029.

Although Reeves has repeated that her manifesto commitments remain, she has also warned that “the world has changed,” citing global conflicts, trade tensions and higher borrowing costs as factors making tough decisions inevitable. Critics, however, say Labour risks leaving itself little room to manoeuvre.

Some voices within Labour, including former leader Neil Kinnock, have urged the government to remove VAT exemptions from private healthcare, arguing it would provide much-needed NHS funding. Think tanks have suggested such a move could raise up to £2bn annually, though Streeting’s intervention indicates the policy is not on the table for now.

The government has announced plans to roll out a nationwide online hospital service in England within the next two years, aiming to ease pressure on waiting lists. Sir Keir Starmer is expected to unveil the initiative at the Labour Party’s annual conference, describing it as part of a “new world” for healthcare. The new NHS Online platform will employ its own doctors, who will manage patients choosing to access care virtually. Routine consultations, assessments, and follow-up appointments will all be handled digitally.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he was “really excited” about the project, highlighting that pilot schemes have already delivered results at hospitals such as University Hospital Southampton and Moorfields. Through the NHS app, patients will also be able to book scans, tests, and procedures at local diagnostic centres. Officials believe the service could eventually provide up to 8.5 million appointments in its first three years, significantly increasing capacity compared with an average NHS trust.

The programme will initially target specialities where patients often need monitoring rather than inpatient treatment, such as eye care, gynaecology, and digestive conditions. NHS leaders have stressed that safety will remain a priority and only appropriate areas will be included. Examples from earlier pilots showed improved efficiency, including a 58% reduction in waiting times for some patients.

While many experts have welcomed the modernisation, others have raised concerns about staffing, digital access, and data security. The British Medical Association has also warned of risks linked to broader online booking systems. Ministers insist, however, that the digital shift will free up face-to-face capacity and help the NHS keep pace with modern patient needs.