Bupa is making a pioneering genetic test for bladder cancer available for the first time in the UK.
It said the Informed Genomics genetic test speeds up detection and reduces uncomfortable hospital procedures, while detecting genetic mutations of 96% of bladder cancers, equivalent to current results with a cystoscopy.
Around 20,500 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK every year and it leads to around 5,500 deaths annually.
The insurer said 8,000 customers a year needed testing for bladder cancer, and that this would support earlier diagnosis which generally leads to better outcomes.
Early diagnosis of the disease is crucial with more than 80% of people diagnosed at the earliest stage surviving at least five years compared to less than 10% diagnosed at the latest stage, it added.
Currently people who are suspected of having bladder cancer are referred for a cystoscopy – an uncomfortable hospital procedure that involves a camera being passed through the urethra.
Instead, Bupa health insurance customers can now send in a urine sample from home.
The test detects bladder cancer by picking up genetic markers in urine samples. The sample is posted for genetic analysis and results are shared with the patient’s doctor.
Of all patients currently referred for cystoscopy, only 10% are diagnosed with bladder cancer.
The Galeas bladder test could move the 90% of patients without cancer to a non-urgent pathway, freeing up resource for patients to undergo cystoscopies faster to confirm their cancer diagnoses.
It is estimated these genetic tests will cost health systems significantly less than cystoscopy, Bupa said.
‘More efficient solution’
Dr Tim Woodman, medical director for cancer services at Bupa Insurance said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Informed Genomics to be the first UK health insurer to cover the Galeas Bladder test for our customers.
“It provides a more efficient solution to diagnosing bladder cancer, where getting that diagnosis a few days or weeks earlier could make a crucial difference.”
Jeannie Rigby, CEO of Action Bladder Cancer UK, added: “Bladder cancer has long fallen behind in research developments – it is still often diagnosed late, leading to worse outcomes for patients.
“It is exciting to see this first step in speeding up the process of diagnosis, which can only be of benefit to patients – and we look forward to seeing this test being made more widely available.”
Lauren Silcock, clinical laboratory director of Informed Genomics, said: “Our cutting-edge technology could spare thousands of patients the discomfort of receiving an unnecessary flexible cystoscopy, while freeing up clinicians’ time and resources to deal with the most urgent patients.
“Our collaboration with Bupa is an important first step in making the Galeas bladder test available to patients in the UK and around the world.
“We’re working hard to make the test available more widely, through other healthcare providers and the NHS.”