Blood test similar to ‘smoke detector’ finds cancer even before symptoms start : geo

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Blood test similar to 'smoke detector' finds cancer even before symptoms start

Blood test similar to 'smoke detector' finds cancer even before symptoms start

In a major medical breakthrough, scientists have invented a simple blood test that could detect the onslaught of cancer even before its symptoms become apparent.The promising, new test that is being termed similar to a smoke detector, rather than focusing on the disease cells detects changes to red blood cells that are induced due to cancer's presence.The discovery of the test can be attributed to the British Science Festival in Swansea.One of the scientists defined the similarities between a smoke detector and the test saying that a smoke detector does not catch the presence of fire but detects the presence of smoke — the blood test functions likewise, catching mutations in red blood cells.


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New "smoke detector" test spots cancer before first symptoms appear

New "smoke detector" test spots cancer before first symptoms appear

A new blood test offering the possibility of identifying individuals who will go on to develop cancer years before tumours appear has been announced by scientists at Swansea University.At least 80% of cancer patients would be detectable with this blood test" said Professor Gareth Jenkins who led the research, "This is a novel way of testing for the presence of cancer because it doesn't look at the cancer itself.We are looking for the 'scent' of the cancer, which is present in the circulating blood"Cancer "smoke detector"Early diagnosis is a key factor in surviving cancer and Professor Jenkins added "the test can be likened to a 'cancer smoke detector'" – it sounds the alarm to smouldering beginnings of a fire before the flames erupt.The research focused upon identifying patients at high risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus, the long tube that connects the mouth with the stomach.


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Simple blood test 'finds cancer BEFORE the symptoms start'

Simple blood test 'finds cancer BEFORE the symptoms start'

A simple blood test that can detect cancer before symptoms even start is been being hailed as a major breakthrough which could save thousands of lives.Likened by scientists to a smoke detector, the test works by detecting changes to red blood cells that occur when cancer is present, rather than the cancer itself.Costing roughly the same as a standard blood test, it is hoped it could one-day be used to monitor people deemed at high risk of getting the disease.The test detects mutations in proteins on the surface of red blood cells, which are seen as 'collateral damage of cancer' rather than the cancer itself (file image)Early detection boosts the chances of survival in most cancer cases with treatments most effective at targeting the cancer before it spreads.