Walk into almost any breast cancer conference and mention CTCs- Circulating Tumour Cells- and you’ll sense the discomfort immediately. The CTC diagnostics market has long been dogged by the limitations of early technologies: detecting only a handful of cells, then doing little more than counting them.That reputation was further damaged by companies marketing tests directly to some of the most vulnerable people – those worried they might have breast cancer.

That era is now over.

We’re no longer talking about identifying and counting a few isolated circulating tumour cells. Today’s breakthrough technology can identify thousands of cells, repeatedly, with consistent accuracy. More importantly, it’s no longer just about quantity. It’s about understanding the biology of these cells- their characteristics, behaviour, and evolution over time.

This transforms what CTC testing can achieve. It supports early detection through reliable, high-volume identification, supports truly personalised treatment decisions, and allows for ongoing monitoring through regular, minimally invasive tests. Crucially, it also opens the door to relapse monitoring, with the potential to identify emerging tumours- or even suspicious cell clusters- up to 18 months earlier than traditional screening methods.

CTCs are no longer a dirty word. They’re becoming a powerful tool in the future of breast cancer detection, treatment and long-term care.

World Cancer Day, has been in the headlines this week – and here at Frontier Diagnostics – we’re united by a shared vision; to transform the landscape of diagnostics and care for all those affected by cancer. So we welcome the launch of the UK Government’s National Cancer Plan.

So what is a cancer plan/strategy and why does it matter?

The International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) has monitored cancer data across seven countries since the 90s when the UK and Denmark were bottom of the table. Since then, Denmark’s improvement has been remarkable – thanks to successive cancer plans – each targeting their weaker areas with focused targets, transparent monitoring, absolute patient focus and significant investment.

However, unlike Denmark, the UK has had a fragmented approach with Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland having strategies in place, but England relying on the NHS Long Term Plan (2019) – which wasn’t specific to cancer and was further derailed by COVID. So the UK has been lagging behind its European neighbours  in key measures; such as the five year cancer survival rates.

So what are the headlines and will it help those with breast cancer in the UK?

• Three out of four patients diagnosed from 2025 will be cancer-free or living well after five years, (up from 60% currently) following record investment in the NHS – which is described as the fastest improvement in cancer outcomes this century!
• The NHS will meet all cancer waiting time standards by 2029, with hundreds of thousands more patients treated within 62 days- a target which hasn’t been met since 2015.

Faster Diagnosis

• The plan pushes for cancer to be diagnosed earlier and more quickly, which is crucial for breast cancer outcomes because earlier-stage detection improves survival.
• It includes measures to speed up diagnostics and meet listing time standards by 2029, so women referred with suspected breast cancer symptoms should get faster scans and results.

Improving Screening Uptake

• While breast screening is not a new policy in the plan, the strategy’s emphasis on boosting screening and reducing inequalities supports efforts to increase breast screening participation, especially in underserved communities.
• Earlier detection via screening increases the chances of catching breast cancer when it’s most treatable.

More Personalised Treatment

• Wider use of genomic and molecular testing supporting more tailored treatment decisions benefiting all breast cancer sub-types

Better Access to Specialist Care

• Emphasis on specialist cancer centres, multidisciplinary teams and modern surgical techniques to improve consistency and quality of breast cancer treatment across England.

Improved Support for Life beyond Cancer

• Recognition of the growing number of people living with and beyond breast cancer, with a focus on recovery, quality of life and long-term support.

Better Access to Clinical Trials

• Plans to enable patients to search and sign up for clinical trials via the NHS app – tied into national databases.

The plan is not breast cancer specific, but its focus on speed, early diagnosis, innovation and equity addresses many of the issues that matter to people with breast cancer. And from a Frontier perspective; there is a huge opportunity for us to support the UK Government’s ambitious plan over the next few years with our potential for diagnostics, personalised treatment and monitoring for recurrence support.