HealthHighlight

A new blood test can detect eight different cancers in their early stage

526

Scientists have developed a noninvasive blood test that can detect signs of eight types of cancerlong before any symptoms of the disease arise.

The test, which can also help doctors determine where in a person’s body the cancer is located, is called CancerSEEK. Its genesis is described in a paper published Thursday in the journal Science.

Called CancerSEEK, the blood test detects tiny amounts of DNA and proteins released into the blood stream from cancer cells. This can then indicate the presence of ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreatic, oesophageal, bowel, lung or breast cancers.

Known as a liquid biopsy, the test is distinctly different to a standard biopsy, where a needle is put into a solid tumour to confirm a cancer diagnosis. CancerSEEK, is also far less invasive. It can be performed without even knowing a cancer is present, and therefore allow for early diagnosis and more chance of a cure.

The test has been shown to reliably detect early stage and curable cancers. It has also been found to rarely be positive in people who don’t have cancer. This prevents significant anxiety and further invasive tests for those who don’t need them.

Several cancers can be screened for at once, and the test can be performed at the same time as routine blood tests, such as a cholesterol check. But the test is still some years away from being used in the clinic.

CancerSEEK is not yet available to the public, and it probably won’t be for at least a year for people in the United States.

“We are still evaluating the test, and it hasn’t been commercialized yet,” said a scientist at John Hopkins, Maryland

.”I don’t want to guess when it will be available, but I hope it is soon.”

He said that eventually the test could cost less than $500 to run and could easily be administered by a primary care physician’s office.

In theory, a blood sample would be taken in a doctor’s office, and then sent to a lab that would look for the combination of mutations and proteins that would indicate that a patient has cancer. The data would then go into an algorithm that would determine whether or not the patient had the disease and where it might be.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Niger Delta Sports Festival Kicks Off in Uyo, Aligns with RHINSE Initiative

The Niger Delta Sports Festival kicked off in grand style on Wednesday,...

Edo tribunal gives third judgment, dismisses PDP, Ighodalo’s petition against Okpebholo’s election

For the third time on Wednesday, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition...

NOC extols late Taekwondo President Saidu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has described the passing away of Saidu...

FCT Minister Wike Approves Employment of 34 Resident Doctors

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare services in the Federal Capital...

‘Small Girl, Big God’ – Korra Obidi celebrates US citizenship amid mixed reactions

Popular dancer and social media sensation Korra Obidi has officially become a...

Dayo Amusa reflects on motherhood and life’s trials in emotional post

Nollywood actress and singer Dayo Amusa is starting the new month with...

Annie Idibia embraces new chapter, partying seriously with Regina Daniels, others

Just weeks after leaving a rehabilitation facility, actress and estranged wife of...

NNPC Ltd Welcomes New GCEO, Board as Kyari Bows Out

The management and the staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited...

After 8-year incarceration, South African court acquits Nigerian televangelist Omotoso of rape charges

After eight years of incarceration, a South African court has found a...

Just in: Algiers-Abuja direct flights commence April 6 – Foreign Affairs Ministry

In a bid to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria...

Assassination allegation: Kogi govt. dismisses Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim as malicious, false

As reactions continue to trail the assassination allegation made by Sen. Natasha...

2025 National Police Day: FCT Police Kick Off Activities With Community Outreach, Clean-Up Exercise

In its effort to foster community policing and robust police-community relations, the...

NSC DG Olopade Congratulates Kida, New NNPCL Board Chair, Hopes for Better Synergy

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has...

Saka Makes Triumphant Return Winning Goal as Arsenal Defeat Fulham 2-1

By Samuel Akpan with agency report Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka made a triumphant...

Nigeria’s Net Foreign Exchange Reserves Hit $23.11bln in 2024, Highest in Three Years

Nigeria’s net foreign exchange (FX) reserves reached a three-year high of $23.11...

Nigeria to Enforce “Drill or Drop” Policy to Boost Oil Production – Lokpobiri

The Federal Government has announced plans to enforce the “drill or drop”...

FCT Police warn against unauthorized hiking, camping

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a stern warning...

Disputed Edo guber poll: Abuja Tribunal delivers judgment in PDP’s petition on April 2

The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment...

Just in: Police caution suspended Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan against homecoming amid tension in her constituency

As suspended Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan gears up for a highly anticipated return...

MicCom CEO, Adubi, establishes partnerships with OAU, UI

“The collaboration saw MicCom introduce a range of initiatives, including research grants...