WEE TEST FOR BIG C

Scientists make a breakthrough to detect early signs of lung disease in urine

- MARTIN BAGOT

SCIENTISTS have developed a urine test to diagnose lung cancer.

The disease is the UK's biggest cancer killer, claiming nearly 35,000 lives each year. The majority of cases are found at later stages, when it is harder to treat. Only 10 per cent of people survive for 10 years after a diagnosis.

But researchers say the pioneering urine test, which checks for so-called zombie cell proteins, could diagnose the disease in its early stages, giving patients a better chance of survival.