Abu Dhabi has introduced a new blood-based cancer screening test that can detect more than 70 types of cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear, marking a significant step forward in preventive healthcare.
The non-invasive test, Trucheck™ intelli, has been launched by Burjeel Hospitals and is designed for asymptomatic individuals, particularly those aged over 40. The test requires no fasting or special preparation and delivers results quickly, making early detection more accessible for both citizens and residents.
According to Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of the Burjeel Cancer Institute and Adjunct Professor at Harvard Medical School, the initiative addresses a long-standing gap in cancer screening uptake.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Prof. Al Shamsi said public hesitation has remained a major barrier to early diagnosis. Previous research involving more than 1,000 participants showed that nearly 60 percent were reluctant to undergo screening, largely due to fear of the results or invasive procedures such as colonoscopies and mammograms.
He explained that the simplicity of the new test is intended to overcome these concerns. Trucheck™ intelli works through a standard blood sample and can identify up to 70 different solid tumours. Unlike traditional screening tools that focus on a single cancer type, the test screens for multiple cancers simultaneously, including pancreatic, gastric, and brain cancers, many of which currently have no routine screening options.
“Cancer is often silent,” Prof. Al Shamsi said, noting that many patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages despite having no symptoms. Early blood-based detection, he added, could significantly increase the chances of curative treatment.
The test does not detect blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, as these involve different biological mechanisms related to circulating blood cells.
Cost and accessibility were also highlighted as key factors. The test is priced between Dh7,000 and Dh8,000 and is recommended once a year. While the upfront cost may seem high, Prof. Al Shamsi said it can be more cost-effective in the long term compared to undergoing multiple separate screening tests.
In terms of accuracy, the test has a reported reliability rate of between 95 and 98 percent, with a false-positive rate of around one percent. He stressed the importance of proper patient counselling to ensure individuals understand both the benefits and limitations before undergoing screening.
Abu Dhabi has also taken a leading role globally in adopting this technology. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has made the test available to Emirati citizens over the age of 40, positioning the UAE as one of the first countries to introduce this form of multi-cancer blood screening at a national level.
The age threshold, Prof. Al Shamsi explained, is based on increased cancer risk after 40 and cost-effectiveness. He noted that as technology advances, costs may fall and eligibility criteria could expand.
Despite the test’s potential, he emphasised that it should complement existing screening programmes rather than replace them. Standard tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical screening, and PSA tests remain essential.
