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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Early Diagnosis of Diabetes: How HbA1c Tests Can Save Lives

Diabetes has become a global health concern, with millions of individuals affected worldwide. Early detection is vital in managing diabetes and preventing long-term complications. Among the various diagnostic tools available, the HbA1c test stands out as a crucial method for identifying and monitoring diabetes. This blog will explore the HbA1c test for diabetes, its procedure, cost, interpretation, and benefits, along with why it’s essential for early diagnosis.

What is an HbA1c Test?

The HbA1c test, also known as the glycated haemoglobin test, measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Unlike a fasting glucose test, it provides a broader view of blood sugar management, making it an effective tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

The importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated. It not only helps diagnose diabetes but also identifies prediabetes, enabling early intervention to prevent the progression of the disease.

How HbA1c Levels Indicate Prediabetes

An HbA1c result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while a level of 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes. Understanding how HbA1c levels indicate prediabetes is crucial, as early identification allows for lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For non-diabetic adults, the normal HbA1c range is below 5.7%. Keeping your levels within this range is a marker of good metabolic health.

HbA1c Test Procedure and What to Expect

The HbA1c test procedure is simple and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:

Blood Sample Collection: A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm or through a finger prick.
Laboratory Analysis: The sample is sent to a lab where the haemoglobin’s glycated percentage is measured.
Quick Results: Many labs provide results within a day, ensuring timely diagnosis.

Patients undergoing the test need not fast, making it more convenient compared to other blood sugar tests.

HbA1c Test Cost

The HbA1c test cost varies depending on your location and the healthcare provider. On average, it ranges between 500 and 2000. Some insurance plans may cover the cost, especially if recommended by a physician. For individuals without insurance, some community health centres offer discounted rates to ensure accessibility.

HbA1c Test Interpretation

Understanding HbA1c test interpretation is key to effective diabetes management. Here’s a breakdown:

Below 5.7%: Normal range for non-diabetic adults.
5.7% - 6.4%: Prediabetes. A wake-up call for lifestyle changes.
6.5% or Higher: Diabetes. Immediate medical attention and treatment are required.

Interpreting the results in the context of other health markers ensures a comprehensive approach to diabetes care.

Benefits of Early Diabetes Screening with HbA1c

The benefits of early diabetes screening with HbA1c are numerous:

Prevention of Complications: Early detection allows for interventions that prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.
Better Blood Sugar Management: Regular monitoring through HbA1c tests helps in adjusting treatments and maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
Convenience: Unlike fasting tests, the HbA1c test can be performed at any time of the day.
Long-term Insights: By reflecting blood sugar levels over a prolonged period, the test provides a clearer picture of metabolic health.

Why Regular Testing Matters

For individuals at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history or obesity, regular HbA1c testing is critical. It enables healthcare providers to track trends in blood sugar levels and recommend timely interventions. Additionally, the test is instrumental in tailoring personalized treatment plans for diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of diabetes through HbA1c tests can be life-saving. From understanding the HbA1c test procedure to interpreting its results, this diagnostic tool offers a comprehensive solution for detecting and managing diabetes. With the growing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, the importance of the HbA1c test in early diabetes detection cannot be overstated.

At Second Medic, we prioritize your health by offering reliable lab testing services, including HbA1c tests. If you suspect you’re at risk or simply want to stay proactive about your health, book an HbA1c test today and take the first step toward a healthier future.