Upon learning she would soon become a grandmother, Pat Grant's cancer diagnosis led her to fear she might never have the chance to meet her grandchild.

As a vibrant 78-year-old, Pat had always been active, participating in aqua-aerobics and dance classes after retiring from her career as a social worker.

However, following her diagnosis with inoperable lung cancer, Pat began to experience significant weight loss and declining health.

After participating in a Welsh clinical trial for a groundbreaking cancer blood test, Pat was informed that her specific type of cancer might be responsive to targeted medication.

Pat, a resident of Cardiff, recalled feeling subdued about the upcoming birth of her grandchild due to her poor health at the time.

Nevertheless, she decided to take a chance on the experimental treatment, reasoning that she had nothing to lose.

Although the treatment was not guaranteed to be effective, Pat was willing to try it, acknowledging the uncertainties involved.

Gradually, Pat started to feel her strength returning, a development she described as progressing from her toes upward.

As a result, Pat was able to fulfill her role as a grandmother and establish a meaningful relationship with her grandchild.

She not only met her grandchild but also celebrated the child's first birthday, a milestone she had initially feared she would miss.

Pat, affectionately known as "Noisy Nanna," delights in spending time with her grandchild, singing and engaging in playful activities together.

She feels grateful for the opportunity to have shared in her grandchild's life and hopes to continue doing so in the future.

The QuicDNA test, a innovative diagnostic tool, is being implemented as a standard procedure across NHS Wales for patients with advanced lung cancer.

With additional funding from the Welsh and UK governments, the rollout of QuicDNA is being accelerated and expanded to include other types of cancer, such as colorectal, prostate, and cancers of unknown origin.

Patients with lung cancer are also being offered follow-up tests to monitor the effectiveness of their treatments and make any necessary adjustments.

Shortly before his 40th birthday, Craig Maxwell was diagnosed with a lung tumor, but doctors encountered difficulties in obtaining a tissue sample.

It took nearly three months for Craig, from Penarth, to receive a definitive diagnosis of inoperable stage 4 non-smoking lung and bone cancer.

Craig described the 78-day waiting period as the most challenging time for him and his loved ones, marked by uncertainty and fear about the future.

The delay in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment took a significant toll on Craig's health, causing him to deteriorate rapidly.

As a father, Craig found it particularly difficult to be unable to support his children during this period, which motivated him to advocate for change.

It was during this time that Craig learned about the QuicDNA project, a initiative aimed at improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Although some funding had already been secured, an additional £300,000 was needed to launch the project.

Craig went on to raise a total of £1.7 million to support the QuicDNA research and other related initiatives.

As a result of his involvement in the project, Craig was able to regain his health and resume his active lifestyle, including climbing Mount Toubkal and coaching his son's rugby team.

He also had the opportunity to attend the Dance World Cup in Ireland with his daughter, experiences he cherishes deeply.

Craig attributes his improved health to the precision medicine and personalized treatment approach made possible by the QuicDNA project.

Despite his significant contribution to the project, Craig remains humble, acknowledging that he is part of a larger team working towards a common goal.

Traditionally, cancer diagnosis involves surgically removing tissue from a tumor to examine its cellular composition.

However, this method can be invasive and may cause harm, and in some cases, doctors may struggle to obtain a suitable sample.

As cancer cells grow, they release tiny fragments of their DNA into the bloodstream, which can be detected using a simple blood test.

This "liquid biopsy" offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional tissue sampling methods.

The DNA extracted from the blood sample is then analyzed using advanced computerized sequencers, which can cost around £1 million each, to create a detailed map of the cancer's genetic code.

This information can be used to determine the most effective treatment approach and monitor the patient's response to therapy.

According to Dr. Magda Meissner, chief investigator of the QuicDNA study, these DNA blood tests can provide results within two weeks, enabling timely treatment decisions.

For patients with advanced lung cancer, prompt diagnosis is critical, as delays can result in rapid deterioration and reduced treatment options.

In some cases, the QuicDNA test can be life-saving, allowing patients to receive timely treatment and potentially extending their lifespan.

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Waiting times for cancer diagnosis and treatment in Wales and the UK often exceed recommended targets, and survival rates lag behind those in other developed countries.

Lowri Griffiths, of Tenovus Cancer Care and Chair of the Wales Cancer Alliance, welcomes the introduction of the QuicDNA test as a positive development, but emphasizes the need for systemic change to address the broader challenges in cancer care.

To achieve meaningful improvements in cancer outcomes, investment in comprehensive reforms and infrastructure upgrades is necessary, according to Griffiths.

International comparisons reveal a concerning trend, highlighting the significant efforts required for improvement to reach the standards set by top-performing countries.