Routine blood tests are a common part of medical care and are used for a variety of purposes, including monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. However, they may also have a role in detecting cancer early. New blood tests could help general practice clinicians diagnose ovarian cancer faster and more accurately, according to research from the Universities of Manchester and Exeter.
In fact, the NHS offers a cancer blood test called the CA125 test, which measures the levels of a protein called CA125 in the blood. This test is primarily used to monitor ovarian cancer in women who have already been diagnosed, but it may also be used as a screening tool for women who are at high risk of developing the disease, such as those with a family history of ovarian cancer.
The CA125 test is just one example of how routine blood tests can be used for both diagnostic and screening purposes. Other blood tests, such as those that measure levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colon cancer, are also commonly used for screening and monitoring purposes.
The potential for routine blood tests to predict the risk of developing cancer is a particularly exciting development, as it could allow for earlier detection and treatment of the disease. This could ultimately lead to better outcomes for patients and a reduced burden on healthcare systems.
However, it is important to note that there are limitations to the use of blood tests for cancer screening. Not all cancers produce biomarkers that can be detected in the blood, and some biomarkers may be elevated for reasons other than cancer.
Furthermore, there is a risk of false positives and false negatives with any screening test, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further testing, or a false sense of security that could delay diagnosis.
Despite these limitations, the potential for routine blood tests to be used for cancer screening and early detection is a promising development. It highlights the importance of understanding the different types of medical investigations and their uses, as well as the need for ongoing research to improve their accuracy and effectiveness.
As medical technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more and more overlap between different types of medical investigations, and a growing need for healthcare professionals to be able to interpret and integrate information from multiple sources. The ability to do so will be critical in improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of disease.