There’s a new blood test on the horizon that screens for one of the most dreaded diseases of our time.
Even better? It could be used for early detection.
Finally! Isn’t this something we’ve all been waiting for!?
I found the news so exciting that I even decided to have a lab representative come talk to me about it.
It isn’t yet covered by insurance—and it comes with a hefty price tag (around $1,000). But it might be something you’d like to consider for yourself or a loved one. (I’m considering doing it on myself.)
Here’s everything you need to know…
Screen for tumors
This new blood test can detect cancer—our dreaded diagnosis—long before any other test currently can. It works by checking for DNA fragments shed by tumor cells.
In fact, it’s already being used on cancer patients to help guide their treatment and check for recurrence.
But it has never been used on otherwise healthy patients for early detection.
Now, with advances in DNA sequencing and data analysis, companies are working hard to commercialize the test. In fact, one organization is already recommending it for common sites that don’t currently have standard screening methods—like the pancreas and ovaries.
On one hand, this is exciting stuff—the U.S. government will conduct a long, large experiment to help determine the test’s viability. On the other hand, we’ll be the ones lining Big Pharma’s pockets to fund the experiment with our tax dollars.
Is it worth it?
While we all want to know if we have cancer, generating a single screen for an entire population may not be worth the cost.
For example, people used to get chest X-rays annually—until science revealed the screens didn’t make a difference long-term. Not to mention, the dangers of constant radiation. And when it comes to cancer screens specifically…
Japan stopped mass screening for childhood cancer in 2004, when studies revealed it didn’t improve survival rates.
And a nearly two decade-long study in 200,000 women in the U.K. found regular ovarian cancer screening didn’t reduce death rates.
So, is the new test really worth it?
Well, it’s important to remember that screening can detect some cancers that don’t need treatment. Just think of all the unnecessary mutation of men with prostate cancer when “watchful waiting” would suffice. At the same time, many dangerous cancers grow so fast that screening is useless.
But I will say this…
There’s evidence behind the success of certain cancer screens that look for one cancer at a time, like a colonoscopy for colon cancer. Now, this new blood test might be able to screen for multiple cancers at once… without undergoing multiple, individual screens.
And while it’s not a cancer diagnosis, it can help lead your treating physician to a specific part of the body. Then, they can determine if additional screens and biopsies need to be conducted for a definitive diagnosis.
It isn’t perfect—but then again, nothing really is. I do believe, however, that knowledge is power.
Until next time,
Dr. Fred
P.S. For simple, science-backed strategies to help fight cancer in the first place, check out my Essential Cancer Protocol. To learn more about this innovative, online learning tool—or to enroll today—click here now!
Source:
“Can cancer blood tests live up to promise of saving lives?” PBS News, 04/11/2022. (pbs.org/newshour/health/can-cancer-blood-tests-live-up-to-promise-of-saving-lives)