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Published on: Aug 05, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Diagnosing Cancers Through A Blood Test

Diagnosing cancer is difficult.

Cancer is a group of diseases in which healthy cells in our body undergo DNA changes. This affects the cell's programming, and instead of performing its regular functions, it begins to divide. Uncontrollably. This division causes greater and greater growth that uses up valuable resources and nutrition, destroys the healthy organs around it, and ultimately puts the body under so much strain it can cause death.

How do we diagnose cancer? If we are lucky we may notice unusual new symptoms. Unintended weight loss, excessive tiredness, bleeding from unusual places, difficulty breathing. It depends on the type of cancer. For some cancers, we have screening programmes, where we look for signs of cancer in people we know are at higher risk. But most of the time the symptoms are only detected when the cancer is advanced enough to cause damage to the body.

In some cases it can already be too late. Pancreatic cancer is notorious for not showing signs until the cancer is too advanced to operate, leaving patients with just 3-6 months of life expectancy.

If we recognise the symptoms we still need to run scans to see the size of the tumour, where it is, and obtain biopsies. Biopsies are vital in figuring out exactly what type of cancer is present, what medications would work against it and what the patients prognosis may be. Whether its by cutting out parts of the tumour directly, with a needle or with endoscopes, biopsy procedures are invasive, uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

What if there was a different way? What if you could take a blood sample and find out if a person has cancer? This dream is becoming slowly more and more real.

CIRCULATING TUMOUR DNA

Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA) is found in the blood and refers to DNA that comes from cancerous cells and tumours. Normally this is contained within the centre of a cell, in its nucleus. As a tumour grows, some cancerous cells can die and break apart. When this happens the contents of the cell are released into the blood, including pieces of the mutated DNA. Detecting this DNA is helpful for many reasons.

It can diagnose a tumour based off the mutations present on the DNA. Different cancers will have different mutations, and matching these up can show whether cancer is present before it starts showing symptoms
If we know cancer is present, we can use the DNA to create personalised medical therapy that is specific to one particular cancer in that particular individual. In the future, this could lead to a therapy that does not have as many side effects as chemo and radiotherapy
Repeated blood tests during treatment to look at levels of ctDNA could show whether the treatment is working. A decrease in ctDNA levels would correspond to a decrease in tumour size
Similarly, a lack of ctDNA would show treatment was successful, and the patient is remission free.

This all seems too good to be true. One blood test and you could know if you have cancer years before your symptoms start forming.

In July 2020 an international team of researchers published a study showing a non-invasive blood test was able to detect whether a person had one of five common types of cancer, up to four years before cancer would otherwise have been detected through our current methods. Stomach, oesophageal, colorectal, lung and liver cancer were the types included in the study.

It had a 91% success rate in patients who were otherwise asymptomatic, and 88% successful in detecting cancer in patients who were known to have cancer. If the test states you don’t have cancer, it was shown to be 95?curate.

This incredible study took over 10 years to conduct with over 120,000 participants who gave blood samples at regular intervals, as well as regular check in with physicians to monitor symptoms. Over 1.6 million specimens were collected and archived for this gargantuan project.

Specialists not involved with the research project have praised it, saying its methods are robust and the test is an essential first step towards commercial cancer screening. Of course, we still have many years and lots more research to do before we can achieve this goal, but the results are exciting nonetheless.

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Curbing Dengue: How to Protect Yourself and Your Community

Dengue fever is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the Aedes mosquito thrives. With millions of cases reported annually, it’s essential to understand how to curb dengue and protect yourself and your community from this potentially life-threatening disease. This blog will cover effective strategies to reduce the spread of dengue, symptoms to watch for, and tips on preventing mosquito bites.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. This mosquito is known for its black and white stripes and tends to bite during the day, with peak biting periods early in the morning and before dusk.

Once a person is infected, symptoms usually appear within 4 to 10 days. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeds). In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

How Dengue Spreads

Understanding how dengue spreads is crucial to curbing its transmission. The dengue virus cannot spread directly from person to person. Instead, an infected person must first be bitten by a mosquito, which then carries the virus to another person through subsequent bites. This is why controlling the mosquito population is vital in preventing outbreaks.

The Aedes mosquito breeds in stagnant water, such as in flower pots, buckets, discarded tires, and other containers. Urban environments with poor waste management and sanitation provide ideal breeding grounds for these mosquitoes, contributing to the rapid spread of dengue.

Strategies to Curb Dengue

Curbing dengue requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. Here are some key strategies to reduce the spread of dengue:

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

The most effective way to curb dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Since Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and clean areas where water can accumulate. Here’s how you can do your part:

- Empty and Clean Water Containers: Regularly empty and scrub water containers such as buckets, flower pots, and pet dishes to remove any mosquito eggs.

- Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of old tires, bottles, and cans that can collect rainwater. Proper waste management reduces potential breeding grounds.

- Cover Water Storage: If you store water in tanks or containers, make sure they are tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

- Clear Drains and Gutters: Ensure that drains and gutters are not clogged and that water flows freely to avoid pooling.

2. Use Mosquito Repellents and Protective Clothing

Since it’s not always possible to eliminate all mosquito breeding sites, personal protection is essential. Using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your chances of getting bitten.

- Apply Mosquito Repellent: Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, especially during the early morning and late afternoon, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure.

- Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: If you live in or are visiting a dengue-prone area, sleep under a mosquito net, even during the day, to prevent bites.

3. Community Involvement and Education

Community involvement is crucial in the fight against dengue. Educating your community about the risks of dengue and how to prevent it can lead to collective action that significantly reduces the mosquito population.

- Organize Clean-Up Campaigns: Participate in or organize community clean-up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Regularly scheduled clean-ups can make a big difference.

- Educate and Raise Awareness: Use community centers, schools, and social media to spread awareness about dengue prevention. The more people know, the more likely they are to take preventive measures.

- Support Local Health Initiatives: Collaborate with local health authorities and support government initiatives aimed at controlling mosquito populations and preventing dengue.

4. Government and Public Health Interventions

Governments and public health organizations play a critical role in curbing dengue by implementing large-scale interventions. These include:

- Mosquito Control Programs: Governments often conduct fogging operations, which involve spraying insecticides in dengue-prone areas to kill adult mosquitoes. While effective in reducing mosquito populations, these efforts must be combined with community action for lasting results.

- Public Health Campaigns: Public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about dengue prevention are essential. Governments can use media outlets, such as television, radio, and social media, to reach a broad audience.

- Disease Surveillance: Monitoring and reporting dengue cases help health authorities track the spread of the disease and respond promptly to outbreaks. Timely intervention can prevent the situation from escalating.

Recognizing Dengue Symptoms and Seeking Treatment

Despite your best efforts to prevent dengue, it’s essential to know the symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been infected. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can prevent complications and save lives.

If you experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash, seek medical attention immediately. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but supportive care, such as hydration and pain management, can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications.

Conclusion

Curbing dengue is a shared responsibility that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting yourself from bites, educating your community, and supporting public health initiatives, you can play a significant role in preventing the spread of dengue. Remember, every effort counts when it comes to protecting yourself and your community from this dangerous disease. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take action to curb dengue today.