New Blood Test Predicts Breast Cancer Recurrence Sooner Than Scans

India, a country with more than 1.4 billion people, witnessed tremendous changes in many areas, including healthcare. In fact, as non-communicable diseases have increased, India has become the "Cancer Capital of the World," according to a recent study by Apollo Hospitals.

This report further predicts strain on healthcare as cancer cases increase all over the world, with India being no exception. In this context, not only is the number of cancer cases increasing dramatically, but the average age of incidence has become drastically younger. In India, the average age of breast cancer diagnosis is 52 years, which is lower than in other nations. The average age when lung cancer is diagnosed is 59 years. However, despite the positive change, the screening rate for breast cancer in India is extremely low, at 1.9%, compared to 82% in the United States and 23% in China.

Breast cancer: Most common cancer type

Breast cancer has emerged as one of the most common cancers among women across the globe. According to the Lancet Commission report, by 2040, the incidence of breast cancer is predicted to be more than 3 million, causing a million deaths. This is where early detection and treatment emerged as crucial for improving survival rates. However, a significant challenge lies in identifying cancer recurrence before symptoms appear or show up on scans. Here's where a groundbreaking new blood test offers a beacon of hope.

Traditional methods for monitoring breast cancer recurrence rely on regular scans and physical examinations. While effective, these methods have limitations. Scans might miss early signs of recurrence, and waiting for symptoms can delay vital treatment. However, with advancement, an "ultra-sensitive liquid biopsy" appeared as a game-changer. According to the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, a new type of blood test can predict if breast cancer can return a year before full relapse.

In addition, according to results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, it was found that the test could detect breast cancer recurrence an average of 15 months before a scan. In some cases, detection occurred as early as 41 months before a confirmed relapse. Therefore, as per these initial findings, early detection is certainly the finest weapon against breast cancer.

Here, let's delve into some significant benefits that early detection using a liquid biopsy offers:

i) Earlier intervention: Starting treatment as early as possible can significantly improve a patient's survival rate.

ii) Personalised treatment: Identifying specific mutations in the DNA can help customise treatment plans to target the specific type of cancer cells present in the body.

iii) Reduced anxiety: Patients can avoid the stress and uncertainty associated with waiting for scans.

In addition, the advantages of liquid biopsies extend beyond breast cancer. Researchers are exploring their use in detecting and monitoring other types of cancer, such as lung cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer.

It's time for action!

Even though the new blood test is still in the early phases of research and development, it represents a significant advancement in the battle against breast cancer. As a result, it will enable early recurrence detection, enabling physicians to intervene sooner and enhance patient outcomes. In addition, this advancement will offer a lifeline for women battling breast cancer, paving the way for personalised and effective cancer management in the coming future.