The new ‘liquid biopsy' test is now available for all eligible lung and breast cancer patients in NHS hospitals across England, with more than 1,600 patients with suspected lung cancer and around 600 advanced breast cancer patients tested since April.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘This incredibly exciting new test could save countless lives, giving thousands of people peace of mind. It is just the latest example of this Government combining the compassionate care of our National Health Service with the ingenuity of Britain's leading scientific minds to revolutionise cancer care.'

Up to 15,000 patients with suspected lung cancer could now benefit from the test each year, which can detect tiny fragments of tumour DNA in the blood.

The test could save the NHS up to £11m per year in lung cancer care and could be rolled out to treat other cancers, including pancreatic and gallbladder cancer.

The test can help fast-track lung cancer patients to receive targeted therapy up to two weeks earlier, while helping some avoid further tests and treatments, including chemotherapy.

Patients with advanced breast cancer whose cancer has not responded to previous treatment can now receive a liquid biopsy to determine if they are eligible for targeted treatments.

Breast and lung cancers are two of the most common cancers in England – with around 50,000 women diagnosed every year with breast cancer, and around 40,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer per year.