Cancer screening and prevention have become central to the fight against one of the world’s most widespread diseases. At Check4Cancer, we pride ourselves on remaining at the cutting edge of evidence-based practices that enhance early detection, diagnosis, and personalised care. By aligning with guidance such as those outlined in Cancer Research UK's recent insights into risk stratification, Check4Cancer works to ensure patients receive the appropriate care at the right time.

Precision Testing for Early Detection

FIT testing that sets a new standard

The quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (qFIT) is a powerful instrument for detecting early-stage bowel cancer and pinpointing high-risk individuals. At Check4Cancer, we offer qFIT tests as both a screening and diagnostic solution that surpasses national standards in sensitivity:

Screening: Our qFIT test for individuals aged 45 and above is more sensitive than the one provided by NHS England. While NHS England utilises a positivity threshold of 120 mg/g Hb, Check4Cancer adopts the more sensitive standard of 80 mg/g Hb, aligning with NHS Scotland's criteria. This lower threshold enables us to identify more high-risk polyps and cancers, ensuring early detection where it’s most crucial.

Diagnosis (launching soon): We’re introducing a new qFIT test specifically for symptomatic patients, utilising the NICE-approved threshold of 10 mg/g Hb. This ultra-sensitive diagnostic tool offers clarity for patients and clinicians, assisting in prioritising appropriate next steps, such as colonoscopy, without unnecessary delays.

These advancements reflect our commitment to personalised care, empowering clinicians with accurate data to guide their decisions.

HPV testing: At-home convenience, since 2015

Innovative screening isn’t limited to bowel cancer. Since 2015, Check4Cancer has been a leader in offering at-home HPV testing for women aged 25 and older. This cervical screening service aligns with NHS England’s recent efforts to improve engagement and uptake among women, potentially increasing the detection of cervical pre-cancers and cancers. By providing a convenient, private, and straightforward method for women to monitor their health, we have removed barriers to accessing vital testing.

Personalising Cancer Care Through Risk Stratification

Proven tools for risk assessment

Risk stratification is a game-changer in personalising cancer care by identifying individuals most likely to benefit from screenings and interventions. At Check4Cancer, we have developed tools that actively support these efforts:

MyBreastRisk®

Since 2015, MyBreastRisk® has been empowering individuals to understand their personalised breast cancer risk. This tool combines a validated risk questionnaire with optional salivary DNA testing. Participants are categorised into average, moderate, or high-risk groups, with screening recommendations tailored to align with NICE guidelines. This enables precise resource allocation while empowering patients with knowledge about their health.

MyCancerRisk®

Our MyCancerRisk platform helps individuals understand their likelihood of developing six common cancers: bowel, breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and skin. Delivered entirely through Check4Cancer’s in-house digital platform, every participant also gains access to our Education Hub - a resource designed to build awareness of risk factors, warning signs, and symptoms across all six cancers.

Participants complete an evidence-based online questionnaire and receive personalised insights into their risk profile. Those identified as ‘higher’ risk are guided towards tailored education, lifestyle advice, and appropriate screening pathways.

Importantly, we are now gathering rich data from MyCancerRisk®, including how participants fall into different risk categories and, crucially, screening uptake in higher-risk groups. This evidence not only strengthens the tool but also helps shape future strategies for cancer prevention and early detection.

Already attracting international interest, MyCancerRisk® shows how digital solutions can scale personalised prevention and support healthcare systems in allocating resources where they will have the most significant impact. Moreover, this Check4Cancer tool is expanding its reach, attracting interest from healthcare systems outside the UK.

Tailored screening recommendations

By leveraging insights from these tools, Check4Cancer offers truly customised screening programmes for individuals and organisations. Many of our services operate on flexible payment options such as employer salary deduction schemes, which help improve equitable access to care. This personalised approach leads to earlier detection and improved outcomes across diverse populations.

The future of cancer screening

Looking forward, traditional screening methods will continue to play an essential role in cancer detection. For example, enhancing PSA testing access is vital in diagnosing prostate cancer earlier, particularly for high-risk individuals such as those with a family history or of Black ethnicity. Similarly, expanding lung cancer screening nationwide could significantly increase early detection rates by targeting those at higher risk.

At the same time, emerging innovations, such as liquid biopsies, offer exciting prospects. These non-invasive tests could one day detect traces of cancer earlier than current technologies permit. However, as the NHS’s suspension of the GRAIL Galleri trial in 2024 demonstrated, real-world evidence is crucial before these tools become widely adopted. For now, the focus must remain on improving access to proven methods that save lives today.

Bridging the gap to equal access

While there is great promise in risk stratification and advanced testing, achieving equitable access presents ongoing challenges. By making our services available via self-pay, insured, and corporate sectors, Check4Cancer aims to ensure high-quality cancer care reaches as many people as possible. We complement this with education initiatives that empower patients to take charge of their health.

The fight against cancer requires a multifaceted approach combining proven tools with emerging technologies. At Check4Cancer, we are committed to leading this effort with evidence-based solutions that prioritise patients. By continuing to evolve alongside advancements in cancer care, we aspire to shape a healthier, brighter future for all.