A simple blood test developed by Scottish scientists that can detect cancerous lumps five years earlier than current systems is to be tested amongst 10,000 people across the country. The Early Cancer Detection Trial will study whether tumours can be diagnosed before they cause any health problems, and it is believed could revolutionise the way solid tumours, such as lung, breast, colon and prostate cancers, are detected and treated, thereby saving lives.
The tests look at antibodies and detect any abnormal growths at a microscopic level, before they become what is referred to as “radiological cancer”.Lung cancer in particular is often picked up too late, as symptoms can be mistaken for other less serious illnesses.
Early diagnosis tests are really picking up pace, which is wonderful news; hopefully we can soon throw away all those dodgy screening mammograms.