Learning English

Blood test for 50 cancers

Scientists from Oxford University say the test results have been encouraging so far.

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The story  

A new blood test can identify more than 50 types of cancer.

Not only that, in 85% of cases, it correctly located the source of the disease.

The test works by looking for changes in the genetic code of cancers.

Researchers at Oxford University, where the trial took place, say the results have been encouraging so far, but there's more to do.

Key words and phrases

show promise
show signs of future success

• She’s a young player but shows promise. She could have a great football career.
• Beth’s Spanish is showing promise. She can have basic conversations after just a month of study.

miracle
describes something incredible

• The woman had a miracle baby aged 50 after many unsuccessful attempts.
• After all medicines failed, the owners were hoping for a miracle cure for their sick dog.

world-first
very important because it's never been done before

• The zero carbon airplane is a world-first.
• The cloning of Dolly the sheep was a world-first.

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