5 Blood Tests That Can Help You Diagnose Cancer Early

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, killing one out of every sixth person in the world. Like every other chronic disease, an early diagnosis of cancer can prove to be pivotal for successful treatment. Luckily, with medical advancements, there have emerged blood tests that are capable of diagnosing it at early stages. While the following tests are not a replacement for traditional screening methods, they can aid the battle against this deadly disease.

Liquid biopsy is a diagnostic test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) found in the blood. This non-invasive technique enables the detection of cancer-related genetic mutations. Research indicates that liquid biopsies can identify tumors in various types of cancer, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

The ability to monitor tumor progression and treatment response through routine blood tests makes liquid biopsy an invaluable tool in cancer management, especially for identifying minimal residual disease and predicting potential relapse.

CA-125 test measures the levels of cancer antigen 125 in the blood, primarily serving as a marker for ovarian cancer. Elevated CA-125 levels may suggest the presence of ovarian tumors, although these levels can also rise due to benign conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Research has shown that regular monitoring of CA-125 can aid in the early detection of ovarian cancer, particularly in high-risk women, such as those with a family history of the disease.

PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood and is commonly used for the early detection of prostate cancer. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also be associated with benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. A study by the American Cancer Society demonstrated that PSA screening could reduce prostate cancer mortality by up to 30%. However, the test has faced criticism for potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment, making it essential for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of PSA testing with their healthcare providers.

AFP test measures alpha-fetoprotein levels, a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac during fetal development. Elevated AFP levels in adults may indicate liver cancer or germ cell tumors. This test is particularly useful for monitoring patients with liver cirrhosis, who are at an increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. A study published in Hepatology found that routine AFP testing could lead to earlier liver cancer detection, improving patient prognosis. Patients with chronic liver disease should consider regular AFP screenings as part of their cancer surveillance strategy.

mSEPT9 test is a blood-based assay that detects methylated DNA from the SEPT9 gene, associated with colorectal cancer. Approved for clinical use, this test offers a vital tool for early screening in average-risk individuals. A clinical trial published in New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that the mSEPT9 test has a sensitivity of 68% for detecting colorectal cancer, presenting a promising alternative to traditional screening methods like colonoscopy.