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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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10 Early Signs of Cancer Most Indians Ignore

Cancer is a growing concern in India, with cases rising due to lifestyle changes, genetic factors, and environmental triggers. Early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook early signs of cancer, mistaking them for minor health issues. In this article, we will discuss 10 early signs of cancer that most Indians ignore, how to detect them early, and essential cancer prevention tips.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight without any changes in diet or exercise, it could be a warning sign of cancer. Cancers of the stomach, pancreas, esophagus, and lungs can cause sudden weight loss. If you experience unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg, consult a doctor immediately.

2. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling excessively tired despite getting enough rest may indicate an underlying health issue, including cancer. Leukemia, colon, and stomach cancers are often linked to extreme fatigue. If fatigue persists without an identifiable reason, it is advisable to get a medical evaluation.

3. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Frequent diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool may signal colorectal cancer, while changes in urination patterns may indicate bladder or prostate cancer. If you notice prolonged changes in your bowel or bladder habits, seek medical attention.

4. Non-Healing Sores

A sore that does not heal within a few weeks could be a sign of oral cancer or skin cancer. Smokers and tobacco users should be especially vigilant about mouth ulcers, as they are at higher risk of developing signs of oral cancer.

5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness

A cough lasting more than three weeks, especially if accompanied by blood, could be a symptom of lung cancer. Hoarseness that persists might be linked to throat or thyroid cancer. How to detect cancer early in such cases involves consulting a specialist if respiratory symptoms do not improve.

6. Lumps or Thickening of Tissue

The presence of lumps in the breast, testicles, or other parts of the body should not be ignored. Common cancer types in India, such as breast and testicular cancer, often present as painless lumps in their early stages. Early medical evaluation can prevent progression.

7. Difficulty Swallowing

Persistent difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia, could be an early symptom of throat, esophageal, or stomach cancer. If swallowing problems continue despite dietary adjustments, a medical examination is necessary.

8. Unexplained Bleeding

Unusual bleeding, such as blood in urine, stool, or coughing up blood, is a serious warning sign of cancer. Cervical and endometrial cancers may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is crucial to get tested if such symptoms occur.

9. Skin Changes

Skin abnormalities, such as dark patches, changes in moles, or persistent itching, can be indicators of skin cancer. If a mole grows, changes color, or starts bleeding, it is important to consult a dermatologist immediately.

10. Persistent Pain

Pain that does not go away, especially in the bones or back, can sometimes be an early sign of cancer. While pain alone is not definitive, unexplained or long-lasting pain should be evaluated by a medical professional.

How to Detect Cancer Early

Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Here are some tips to catch cancer in its initial stages:

Regular Health Check-ups: Routine screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies, help in detecting cancer before symptoms appear.
Self-Examinations: Checking for lumps, unusual moles, or changes in bodily functions can help identify potential issues early.
Knowing Family History: If there is a family history of cancer, it is advisable to go for genetic counseling and regular screenings.
Seeking Medical Attention Promptly: Do not ignore persistent symptoms. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

Cancer Prevention Tips

While cancer cannot always be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Here are some essential cancer prevention tips:

Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of signs of oral cancer and lung cancer in India. Avoiding tobacco can drastically reduce your risk.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health and lowers cancer risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake has been linked to liver, breast, and digestive tract cancers. Limiting alcohol can help reduce cancer risk.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Skin cancer can be prevented by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Get Vaccinated: Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and HPV can prevent liver and cervical cancer, respectively.
Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens: Limit exposure to harmful chemicals, such as asbestos and radiation, that are known to cause cancer.

Conclusion

Awareness is the first step toward preventing and detecting cancer early. Ignoring early signs can lead to late-stage diagnosis and reduced treatment success. By understanding these early signs of cancer, following cancer prevention tips, and undergoing regular screenings, individuals can significantly lower their risk. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. How to detect cancer early is crucial knowledge that can save lives.

By staying informed and proactive, we can fight the rising incidence of common cancer types in India and ensure better health outcomes for all.

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