People who are suspected of having throat cancer usually undergo endoscopy in the hospital, where a camera is inserted into the mouth or nose.

The Endoscope-i adapter, which can be plugged into an iPhone, includes an endoscope eyepiece with a 32 mm lens that allows nurses to capture live images and share them with specialists.

The results can then be sent back to patients within a few hours.

According to NHS England, there are around 250,000 urgent referrals for suspected head and neck cancer each year.

5 percent of them are diagnosed with cancer.

National cancer director Dr Cally Palmer said waiting for results can be an extremely worrying time and speeding up the process could make a huge difference to people and their families.

Mr Jones, who was admitted for tests after his voice became hoarse after singing at a concert, said: “Given how quickly my cancer progressed after my first appointment to the stage where I needed a major laryngectomy operation, I am so grateful he was chosen. I was back on my feet in time and I believe it saved my life.”

Another patient, Janet Hennessy, 76, from Stoke-on-Trent, was also tested using the device and said it was reassuring to be checked so quickly.

He said: “Even if you think there’s nothing there, you still think about it and it worries you and your family.”