How blood-based tests for cancer screening could save lives
| Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology |
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)
| Context |
| ● Blood-based cancer tests, including multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, offer a promising non-invasive method for early cancer detection.
● They can identify multiple cancer types from a single blood sample, potentially improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs. ● However, challenges such as false positives and overdiagnosis necessitate comprehensive patient support and accurate follow-up. |
Blood-Based Tests for Cancer:
- Blood-based tests analyse circulating tumour DNA or cells in the blood to detect cancer at early stages.
- These tests can identify signals from up to 50 cancer types, including those lacking reliable early-screening methods.
- They offer a non-invasive, potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional screening, helping to detect cancers like ovarian and pancreatic cancer early, which can be crucial for effective treatment.
- However, they also face challenges, such as false positives and overdiagnosis, making robust post-test support and comprehensive patient guidance essential.
Importance of Blood-Based Tests:
- Blood-based cancer tests are important due to their ability to detect multiple cancers early, potentially improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs.
- They are less invasive compared to traditional methods, which can encourage higher participation in screening programs.
- By identifying cancer early, these tests can facilitate timely treatment and reduce the psychological and financial burden associated with late-stage diagnoses.
- Despite their promise, careful management of false positives and thorough patient support are essential to maximise their benefits.
