The UK’s 2026 National Cancer Plan marks a renewed focus on transforming cancer care through earlier diagnosis, innovation and personalised approaches. This article explores five key areas within the plan that could shape the future of cancer detection in England, from emerging diagnostic technologies and blood-based tests to improved screening pathways and the importance of clinical validation.
The warning raised by Professor Booth that the United Kingdom risks falling into the European “relegation zone” for prostate cancer survival highlights a reality the British healthcare system can no longer afford to ignore: without a structured early-detection programme, the NHS will inevitably continue diagnosing too many prostate cancers at advanced stages, when therapeutic options become significantly more limited.
Kuwait has a highly developed healthcare system with the resources and infrastructure to support advanced cancer care. However, a key challenge remains increasing participation in early detection and screening. Despite rising cancer incidence and national initiatives to promote prevention, cultural attitudes and a symptom-driven approach to healthcare continue to limit uptake. Ongoing awareness efforts aim to shift this, helping align Kuwait’s medical capabilities with a stronger culture of preventive care.
Iraq faces a uniquely complex cancer challenge, where early detection is constrained not just by awareness but by limited healthcare infrastructure, workforce shortages, and unequal access to care. Cancer incidence has risen sharply, driven by decades of conflict, environmental exposure, and systemic disruption, while many cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages due to gaps in diagnostics and screening. Although signs of recovery are emerging through international support and renewed investment, the core challenge remains structural. As Iraq advances its national cancer strategy, the priority is clear: aligning its medical expertise and data with earlier intervention and broader public engagement in preventive care.
Saudi Arabia has rapidly expanded its healthcare system under Vision 2030, building stronger oncology services, digital infrastructure, and national screening programmes. Yet a key challenge remains turning this institutional progress into consistent early detection. While access to care is improving, screening uptake remains uneven, shaped by regional differences and preventive health behaviours that have not advanced at the same pace as the system itself. As Saudi Arabia continues its national healthcare transformation, the priority is increasingly clear: aligning modern medical capacity with broader public participation in preventive care.
Jordan has strong medical expertise and one of the region’s most robust cancer registries, but a key challenge remains turning insight into early detection. Cancer is now a leading cause of death, and while treatment capacity is advanced, screening and prevention efforts are still limited. As Jordan advances its national cancer strategy, the priority is clear: aligning its medical expertise and data with earlier intervention and broader public engagement in preventive care.
Across the Middle East, rapid investment in healthcare is transforming cancer care, with advanced technologies and screening programmes expanding across countries like Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Yet a key challenge remains: many patients are still diagnosed at later stages, not due to lack of medical capacity, but because of cultural attitudes, awareness gaps, and low screening participation. As the region advances its healthcare systems, the priority is clear: aligning medical progress with public engagement, trust, and the widespread adoption of preventive care.
The recent failure of the large-scale study evaluating the Galleri blood test represents an important inflection point after years of intense enthusiasm surrounding the concept of a single blood test capable of detecting more than fifty cancers. The outcome underscores a fundamental reality: the biology of cancer detection is more complex than early expectations suggested.
Cancer death rates in Scotland have fallen by around 11 percent over the past decade, showing the impact of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and sustained investment in cancer services. But with total deaths still rising due to an ageing population, prevention, early diagnostics, and targeted nutrition have never been more important.
By Dr. Letizia Gulino, PhD Head of Science & Technology, RMDM Group Dr. Letizia Gulino is the Head of Science and Technology at RMDM Group, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in molecular medicine research and private sector innovation. Holding a PhD...
In Top Magazin Frankfurt, Dr. Johannes Coy describes how his discovery of the TKTL1 “master switch” led to breakthroughs in therapy, early tumour detection, and blood-sugar-friendly nutrition. At RMDM, this science forms the foundation of our One Stop Shop approach to prevention and health innovation.
The BBC’s newly published investigation exposes a system under severe strain: red-flag breast cancer patients in Northern Ireland waiting 8–10 weeks for assessment against a 14-day target, stage 2–4 cancers developing during delays, and a regional service so overwhelmed that even the Health Minister admits the pathways are “broken”.
Recent research has revealed a remarkable link between how cells manage energy and nutrients and the timing of their division. At the center of this process is TKTL1, a key metabolic enzyme that functions as a sensor, monitoring the cell’s internal levels of ribose-5-phosphate (R5P), a critical molecule for building DNA and other essential cellular components.
By Dr. Letizia Gulino, PhD Head of Science & Technology, RMDM Group Dr. Letizia Gulino is the Head of Science and Technology at RMDM Group, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in molecular medicine research and private sector innovation. Holding...
A recently published study in BMC Medicine provides strong, independent evidence supporting the clinical utility of the EDIM-based biomarkers Apo10 and TKTL1 for the early detection of cervical cancer. These are the same two biomarkers at the heart of RMDM’s PanTum Detect test.
Preventative healthcare in the Middle East is undergoing a significant transformation. With chronic diseases on the rise and late-stage diagnoses still far too common, the introduction of innovative diagnostics, such as the PanTum Detect blood test, could signal a major shift. We sat down with Ali Ghaidan, CEO of RMDM Group, to discuss the future of early cancer detection, the rollout of science-backed sugar alternatives, and why the region is ready for a new healthcare model: one centred on prevention, education, and empowerment.
We’re excited to announce that RMDM Group’s PanTum Detect® blood test is officially live at the Doctors Centre Polyclinic in Dubai.
New modelling shows annual multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests could cut late-stage diagnoses by 49%. RMDM Group’s PanTum Detect goes further—identifying both early-stage cancers and precancerous changes with high accuracy. With a positive predictive value of 66.47%, it offers a powerful, non-invasive tool to fill gaps in current screening and shift oncology towards true prevention.
While sugar is often seen as a cancer culprit, new research shows it can also be a powerful tool in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. From the tumour-fuelling role of glucose to the therapeutic potential of functional sugars like mannose, this article explores how understanding sugar metabolism—especially through the TKTL1 gene and the Dr Coy Principle—could transform cancer care.
A recent study published in JAMA Otolaryngology has uncovered a concerning link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and an increased risk of oral cavity cancer in women, including both smokers and non-smokers. The findings show that women who regularly consumed sugary drinks were found to have a significantly higher risk of developing oral cavity cancers compared to those who consumed them less frequently.
The AI-powered prostate cancer test developed by EDX Medical Group represents a major advancement in early detection. By analysing over 100 biological markers in blood and urine samples, it offers a more accurate assessment of prostate cancer risk than traditional methods like PSA testing, highlighting the critical role of early detection in improving patient outcomes.
We are witnessing a crucial moment for the NHS as it promises to reduce waiting lists and deliver timely care. This commitment resonates with patients and healthcare professionals. However, while the intentions behind these proposals are laudable, critical questions remain regarding their feasibility, workforce capacity, and long-term sustainability by the NHS.
Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy is advocating for improved prostate cancer tests for younger men following his terminal diagnosis in September 2023. His recent interview with the BBC reveals the limitations of the NHS’s current protocol for prostate cancer testing.
In a recent press release, the UK government outlined an initiative to boost tech deals aimed at further innovating cancer diagnosis in the country.
This plan follows the Darzi review, which highlighted the critical state of the NHS, particularly the urgent need to improve cancer survival rates.
In the House of Commons, Health Secretary Wes Streeting introduced a “national mission” to tackle key health challenges. Presenting the Darzi report, commissioned by the Labour government, he outlined the NHS’s ongoing struggles in the post-pandemic era, including missed targets in cancer care, A&E services, and hospital treatment.
Last month, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) shared their updated view on Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests. They highlighted the potential and the immediate need for a multi-cancer detection solution in the UK. They are working to outline a roadmap for...
Historically, early detection has focused on routine screenings for only a handful of cancers, such as breast, colorectal, cervical, lung, and prostate cancers. However, these screenings are not always effective. Many cancers are still detected at later stages when...
Last month the BBC revealed that “cancer waiting times for 2023 in England were the worst on record”. Only 64.1% of patients started treatment within 62 days of a cancer suspicion, meaning nearly 100,000 waited longer than they should for life-saving care. These...
Cancer is a major global health concern, but it’s typically associated with older age. However, in recent years, there has been a clear rise in younger individuals who have early-onset cancer. In this article, we will break down the findings of a study conducted in...
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Thanks to pioneering research and diagnostic tests, we are discovering solutions to detect breast cancer early on. The TKTL1 gene, in particular, represents an incredible leap in our...
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar that involves fasting from sunrise to sunset for 29-30 days. While the primary purpose of fasting is to practice self-discipline, it is also proven to have numerous health benefits. One of the most prominent health...
Fossilized skulls and skeletons clearly show the physical similarities and differences between modern humans, and our ancestors, the Neanderthals. However, insights into a Neanderthal brain, and its intellectual capacity, have evaded researchers since soft tissue...
We’re all familiar with the phrase, “you are what you eat.” We’re encouraged to follow a balanced diet, but sometimes it’s a struggle to cut through the noise of diet culture and marketing tricks. It’s often assumed that diet doesn’t affect the development of...
A new performance study with 5,000 participants proves that the combination of blood tests and imaging is highly effective in detecting cancer early. The PanTum Detect test, alongside imaging methods such as PET/CT or MRI, can detect cancer and its precursors with...
Thousands of people were checking bowel cancer symptoms online immediately following the death of Dame Deborah James. Last Tuesday, we lost one of the most influential fighters in cancer awareness. Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2016, Dame Deborah was a fierce...
Approximately 4,807 new cancer cases were reported in 2020 in the UAE alone. As the cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment methods rises, The Department of Health (DOH) – Abu Dhabi strives to make cancer care affordable and accessible. The DOH – Abu Dhabi has recently...
In our attempt to consume less sugar and eat healthier, we’ve relied on the supposed success of manufactured sweeteners. Over the years, various health risk claims have been associated with artificial sweeteners. But these claims haven’t been scientifically proven...
How can we successfully and accurately detect prostate cancer? More than 10,000 men die from prostate cancer every year in the UK. It’s one of the most common cancers in men, yet we still don’t have a national screening program. The best test for prostate cancer...
Today is International Women’s Day – a celebration of equality and creating a better future. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. March 8th became the designated day of celebration in 1917 during a...
How will the NHS tackle the cancer backlog? New analysis from the House of Commons Library reveals half a million people with suspected cancer will be waiting longer than the usual two-week period to see an oncologist this year. The analysis predicts over 75,000...
Half of the world’s population do not have access to essential healthcare. Despite the incredible achievements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, many people struggle to receive basic cancer care. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is ‘Close the Care Gap’. It’s...
Cancer can be difficult to diagnose if the usual “red flags” and warning signs are not present in a patient. Early detection blood tests that are not reliant on cancer type are important to help change this. At RMDM, we are working hard to make early detection a...
Exciting research for a new treatment to fight Covid-19 has been proven successful. If you contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus, this new treatment could stop the virus from growing. Prof. Cinatl, the discoverer of the first SARS-CoV virus, and his team found that the...
Scientists may have found a solution to treat an aggressive, treatment-resistant type of breast cancer. A new study suggests it is possible to change an aggressive type of breast cancer into a non-aggressive type that responds well to common treatments. Scientists...
Macmillian Cancer Support reports a “mountain of almost 50,000 people” are still missing a cancer diagnosis in the UK. As the NHS struggles to cope with overwhelming demand, Macmillian warns that the Government must take urgent action. New analysis shows that the NHS...
Scientists discover microscopic nanotubes which allow cancer cells to attack the body’s immune system. Cancer grows stronger by evading the immune system. A new study sheds light on how cancer cells can debilitate the immune system and metastasise. New research...
Around the world this month, men are relinquishing their razors and allowing their facial hair to flourish. Why? For November, a charity known as Movember raises funds and awareness for men’s health. From suicide prevention and mental health to prostate and testicular...
New research has recently confirmed the HPV vaccine has saved hundreds of lives from cervical cancer. This research is the first-ever proof of the HPV vaccine as a successful programme to reduce cervical cancer rates in the UK. The study found that the rate of...
This year the spotlight has been on clearing the cancer backlog. In June and July, things were starting to look up for the NHS. However, in recent months, cancer treatment services are struggling to keep up. The number of people receiving their first cancer treatment...
The cancer backlog has been closely monitored over the course of the pandemic, but a new study has shown the numbers are still on the rise. Figures from Cancer Research UK show that more than 226,000 people in England are waiting more than six weeks for key cancer...
This week, the NHS announced the exciting news of a trial for the Galleri blood test. We are so happy to hear the NHS is backing a blood test for the early detection of cancer. This opens the door to many more opportunities for pioneering technologies to be embraced...
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men across the UK. Current statistics show that more than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s 129 men every day. There aren’t any proven prevention strategies for prostate cancer, but...
Hundreds of researchers are developing new cancer treatments every day. Safe, effective treatment for cancer is important – and it’s exciting when you can see the life-saving results. But what if cancer could be prevented in the first place? Prevention is one of the...
Image Source :Al Jalila Foundation raises AED220 million for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Charity Hospital <https://www.aljalilafoundation.ae/media-centre/photo-gallery/?gallery=7751> The Al Jalila Foundation has announced they are one step closer to starting...
If a patient visits their GP due to unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem. A patient might be referred for different tests or scans, which can be time-consuming and delay a possible...
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but if detected early enough, it can be treatable. One of the treatment techniques that may be recommended is surgery to remove the cells that have been identified as cancerous. This can often be successful if the cancer is...
While cancer is a global health problem, research shows that around 57% of cancer cases and 65% of cancer deaths worldwide occur in developing countries. Researchers are still trying to establish why the prevalence of cancer in low and middle income countries is...
A recent article published by the World Health Organization (WHO) states that of the 342,000 women estimated to die from cervical cancer every year, most are from the poorest countries in the world. Despite the successes of cervical cancer screening programs in first...
This week healthcare copywriter, Dee Primett, interviews RMDM’s CEO and Founder, Ali Ghaidan. In this interview, Ali shares more about his background, the story behind RMDM, PanTum Detect and his visions for the future of the company. RMDM is a one-stop shop for...
This week we are excited to share the news of an incredible commitment to early cancer detection by the Scottish Government. A £10 million fund has been granted to improve cancer waiting times. The fund will enable the NHS in Scotland to invest in staff skills, new...
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 12,000 women diagnosed with the condition every year. Unfortunately, this week an analysis of NHS England figures by Cancer Research UK has found that around 10,600 fewer women started treatment for breast...
Did you know 14th – 20th June 2021 is cervical screening awareness week? Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is used to check the health of the cervix. It’s also the primary method used of detecting abnormal cells early, before they develop into cancer....
In some parts of the world, May is National Cancer Research Month – a month dedicated to highlighting the importance of lifesaving research into the devastating group of diseases collectively called cancer. Cancer affects millions of people across the...
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This week we were shocked by news of a new study in the Middle East. This study has found that young people across the UAE and Saudi Arabia are four times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than their counterparts in the U.K and United States. We know that...
The gold standard in cancer detection has always been tissue biopsy. But the procedure is invasive, time-consuming, and often painful or stressful for patients. More significantly, its efficacy is often limited: cancer cells may not be present in biopsied areas, and...
‘The knock-on impact of the pandemic on cancer care cannot be overstated’. These are the words of Steven McIntosh, the executive director of advocacy and communications at Macmillan Cancer Support, reported in a shocking article in The Guardian last week. There’s no...
Firstly, we’d like to wish a very blessed Ramadan to our friends and partners in the Middle East. Ramadan Mubarak. Secondly, we’re excited to share the news of a ground-breaking breast cancer treatment that lessens the negative effects of chemotherapy, now being...
This April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, and we would like to encourage all men to be able to identify the signs of the disease so that they feel confident to seek professional help if they need it. Testicular cancer isn’t particularly common. In fact, it...
Cancelled clinical trial forces fundraising, new AI system used to monitor Mesothelioma tumors and positive early result from clinical immunotherapy trials for brain cancer. Crowdfunding for cancer treatment after cancelled clinical trials Delays in cancer treatment...
April 7th of each year marks World Health Day, and it’s safe to say that globally we have faced the greatest healthcare challenge this last year than any other in recent history. For most of us, the Covid-19 pandemic is like nothing we have ever experienced before,...
Patient Perspective: Frequently Asked Questions about PanTum Detect, The First Universal Cancer Early Detection Blood Test Welcome to the second part of our Frequently Asked Questions series. This week we have compiled a list of questions that we regularly receive...
The Science Behind the PanTum Detect Cancer Test: Frequently Asked Questions A simple blood test for the early detection of all types of cancer may seem too good to be true, so unsurprisingly, we receive many questions asking us about the way in which our test, PanTum...
Cancer Research UK have joined 46 other cancer charities to create One Cancer Voice. Their aim is to speak out about the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on cancer services, and to urge the UK Government and the NHS to take action to tackle the immense...
Biomarkers – No, Not Eco-Friendly Pens But Key Characteristics in the Early Detection of Cancer Blood tests can tell doctors a great deal about your health. A PanTum Detect blood test can help tell your doctor if you have cancerous cells in your body. But how?...
Innovative New Cancer Screening Technique and New Fears over Undiagnosed Breast Cancer Cases Pillcams for Cancer Detection Over the last few months, we have seen the NHS start to embrace all new cancer detection techniques and technologies. Diagnostic viewing inside...
March 8th is International Women’s Day – celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The creators of International Women’s Day have six key missions, one of which is to help women make informed decisions about their health. At...
…More than you might think! The NHS’s Long Term Plan aims to save thousands more lives each year by improving the way that cancer is diagnosed and treated within the National Health Service. One of the ways in which they’ve said they intend to do this is through...
‘The NHS Long Term Plan has committed to an overhaul of screening programmes, new investment in state-of-the-art technology and a boost in research which will help more people survive cancer each year’. Yet many people feel that when it comes to cancer detection,...
February 4th 2021 was World Cancer Day – a day focused on raising awareness of the disease and a stark reminder that we have a long way to go in the war against this disease. Although we may be in the middle of a global pandemic, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that...
This month we have explored the effect that Covid-19 is having on cancer screening and diagnosis. However, there is also something else very important to consider, and that is the cost of late-stage cancer detection. We already know that many patients are delaying...
RMDM are honoured and delighted to be presenting our leading-edge cancer screening and early detection technology at ‘A Fresh Approach to General Practice’ – a virtual conference organised by the Royal College of General Practitioners (GPs), taking place on 11th and...
18th – 24th January 2021 is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week – a week dedicated to raising awareness of cervical cancer and how people can reduce their risk of developing the disease. Cervical cancer may not be the most well-known or even the most common of cancers,...
We may not be able to see it yet, but the impact of delays in early cancer detection techniques due to Covid-19 will have a direct impact on recovery rates and patient outcomes. With the NHS under immense pressure from the second wave of the pandemic, longer wait...
Despite entering 2021 still fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing battle between Cancer and Covid-19 continues to rage behind the scenes, with Early Detection and treatment being delayed as the NHS struggles to cope with rising Covid-19 infection numbers and...
RMDM Diagnostics appoints former NHS Confederation head as lead adviser for pan-cancer blood test. RMDM Diagnostics has appointed Mike Farrar CBE, former Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, as lead adviser for its pan-cancer blood test, PanTum Detect. Mike will...
November was extremely busy for us here at RMDM Group, as we saw a significant increase in demand for people wanting to take our popular cancer blood test. We are very fortunate to be working with Centre For Health and Human Performance in ensuring that cancer...
A blood test that can accurately diagnose cancer at an early stage has long been the ‘holy grail’ of cancer diagnostics. Now, PanTum Detect is the blood test to offer non-invasive, reliable, and cost-effective cancer diagnosis – truly a revolution in cancer care!...
RMDM’s PanTum Detect Blood Test Offers Accurate Cancer Detection at the Critical Stage when Cancer is Most Treatable With cancer screening and diagnostic services across the world put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, early and accurate cancer diagnosis is...
First and foremost, on behalf of RMDM, we want to send our best wishes to you and your loved ones during these challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a dominant feature of our lives for a long time now, and it is important, for all of us, to reflect on what...
RMDM is proud to have showcased and taken part in the Transformation Talks at Medlab Middle East at the beginning of February 2020, in Dubai. It was a great pleasure to meet all who attended our transformation talks and visited our Stand. Thank you Ahmed Bourghida for...
RMDM Group’s CEO and Founder; Ali Ghaidan shares with The Manufacturer, what the United Kingdom could learn from Germany’s dominance in health technology. “While the UK health tech scene is booming, there are valuable lessons to be learnt in the art of collaboration,...
Ali Ghaidan the CEO and Co-Founder of RMDM, a one-stop shop for cancer diagnostics, prevention and treatment shares his business inspirations with Business Aspects Magazine. He quotes: “Once I met Johannes and learnt more about his work as a biochemist, he introduced...
It was a great honour and pleasure to meet Princess Dina Mired, President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), at The Economist War on Cancer event in London. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to her perspective on how NGOs, governments, public and...
It was an honour for the team at RMDM Group to meet the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock at the Reception for Breakthrough Technologies this month. We are looking forward to working more closely with the NHS and making our pioneering diagnostics solution available to...
It was a great honour for RMDM Group to meet with Her Majesty’s Ambassador Christopher Rampling MBE, at the UK Embassy in Beirut. On Behalf of RMDM we would like thank the UK Department of International Trade (UK DIT) for their support and organising this meeting. We...
RMDM Launches PanTum Detect, the world’s first universal Cancer Blood Test with Doctors Centre Lab in Lebanon, at the InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut. The reception was attended by 150 Doctors, oncologists, and other medical professionals as well as researchers...
It was great to have the opportunity to exhibit at the Conservative Party Conference September 2019. We want to say a big thanks to PLMR for helping to organise. It was a very useful and beneficial couple of days of raising awareness of different roles of technology....
RMDM was honoured to be invited by His Excellency Dr Saad Jaber, Minister of Health of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to meet with him and his senior team. Early Detection is high on the Ministry’s agenda and Jordan is supportive of innovative technologies which can...
It was an absolute pleasure to attend the 5th Biennial Early Diagnosis Conference in Birmingham from the 21-23 February 2019. Thank you so much Cancer Research UK (CRUK) for such a great event. It was a wonderful and important event for the future of Cancer Care in...