Cheap 'Smoke Detector' Test Unveiled to Spot Cancer Before Symptoms Arise
Scientists have unveiled a new test that is akin to a smoke detector that would spot cancer before symptoms arise.
This came about as a result of research by the Swansea University Medical School and was revealed at the annual British Science Festival, which is run by the British Association for the Advancement of Science.
The test has been compared to a smoke detector, because it does not actually detect the cancer itself but the signs of changes that are associated with cancer - just as a smoke detector does not detect a fire itself but the signs (i.e. smoke) that a fire is taking place. By finding out when there are changes to red blood cells even before there are any other symptoms, the cancer can be detected at a very early stage. Early diagnosis of cancer can be crucial in improving survival and treatment rates,the discovery could therefore be hugely significant.
What is more, the simple blood test would cost just £35 and could be a cheap way of monitoring people who have a high risk of getting the disease.
Professor Gareth Jenkins, who led the research, said he thought the discovery 'would have a massive effect'.
The research could be used in early detection of oesophageal cancer, but the research team is now looking at whether it could be used for early detection of other cancers such as pancreatic.
Dr Anne McCarthy, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, hailed the research findings, although cautioned that larger scale studies would be needed to see if the test was totally reliable before it could be used in clinics.