Men with a common defect in their white blood cells are nearly four times as likely to die from cancer

A simple blood test that can predict the risk of cancer in older men has been developed by scientists.

The test is based on the discovery that men with a common defect in their white blood cells are nearly four times as likely to die from cancer as those without the defect.

Scientists said that the technology could be available in clinics within five years and could allow high-risk men to be targeted with frequent screening and preventative treatments.

The discovery came as new analysis showed that half of people diagnosed with cancer now survive at least ten years, compared with just a quarter in the 1970s. Cancer Research UK said the big improvement in survival rates showed that cancer was on its way to