What is cancer?
Cancer is a condition of disordered cell growth. Normally, our cells will turnover or reproduce themselves from time to time. In order to do this properly, cells rely on a set of genes that guide them through the reproduction process. If there is damage to key areas of genetic code, the cell will reproduce erratically and start to grow and invade nearby issues. This is when a cancer develops.
What causes the DNA to become damaged in cancer?
For a cancer to develop, the genes (in the DNA) will become damaged and dysfunction. This can happen from any kind of trauma to the genes such as smoking, poisoning, chronic exposure to toxicity from poor diet, UV radiation to name a few. Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition. Also, any situation where the cells become less effective at recognising and repairing damaged DNA is a risk for cancer, such as old age.
Are there blood tests we can use to look for early cancer?
Conventionally, tumour antigens or tumour markers have been done to detect cancer early. These blood tests represent molecules potentially released by growing tumours. The problem with these tests is that they do not always pick up cancers and many harmless conditions can lead to their rise.
A new method of detecting cancer is to look at cell free DNA. This is pieces of DNA in the blood stream that is abnormal and thus likely to come from a cancer. The amount of this can help scientists estimate the likelihood of a cancer.
These tests are called Multi-Cancer Early Detection or MCED tests.
Where can I find these tests?
There are many cancer tests on the market at present. Speak to your doctor about MCED testing.
Are these tests reliable and helpful?
At present, MCED tests are still undergoing evaluation to determine how accurate and useful they are. Many patients will choose to undergo a blood test looking for early cancer as they want to be proactive in detecting any early diseases. As always, the result will need to be interpreted with caution and be prepared to undergo further testing if necessary.
