Brit scientists develop new test for throat cancer which could help doctors spot the disease much earlier

British scientists have developed a new test for throat cancer.

It could help doctors spot the disease much earlier.

The test involves checking the genetic make-up of cells in the throat.

This gives clues as to whether the cells are likely to mutate into cancer or stay healthy.

It follows the discovery by experts at Queen Mary University of London that some cells in the throat are 'born to be bad', while others are programmed to remain harmless.

Throat cancer strikes nearly 9,000 Brits a year - up 43 per cent since the seventies.

It mostly affects men and while smoking is the biggest risk factor, excess booze and fatty diets also increase the risks.

Poor diets in recent years are thought to have triggered the rise in cases.

Around 1.5m Brits are thought to be at risk because they have a condition called Barrett's Oesophagus.

This is where cells in the throat are damaged by severe heartburn, increasing the risk of cancer.