Blood Test for Breast Cancer

Blood Test For Breast Cancer
Biochemists Develop Proteomic Test For Breast Cancer

Biochemists look at 22 protein biomarkers to distinguish patients with breast cancer from those without it. The early detection test complements mammograms and is most applicable to women who are at a high risk for the disease.

The test analyzes blood serum and researchers are using a similar process to develop

a test for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

A new blood test could tell you if you have breast cancer before it shows up on a mammogram.

They've created a test that can detect breast cancer even when a mammogram doesn't. It's called the BC-SeraPro.

Proteomics is similar to genetic testing, but while genetic testing screens for disease causing genes, proteomics looks for certain protein markers in a person's blood.

"The method analyzes specific proteins and these proteins show what is going on with the patient in terms of the disease and how the disease is playing out on the patient," Dr. Goldknopf says.

Early studies show the BC-SeraPro has a 90% success rate. It's just one of two tests being launched by Power3 medical. "Any disease that has a need we will be able to find a blood test for," says Steve Rash, CEO of Power3 Medical.

Doctors say this test is ideal for women who are considered at high risk for breast cancer. The test should be available in breast cancer clinics early next year.

WHAT ARE BLOOD MARKERS? A blood marker is any component in the blood that's associated with a condition, disease or symptom. Blood markers can indicate whether a system is healthy and functioning properly or if there's something wrong. In recent years, several studies have shown that higher amounts of proteins in the blood may be associated with various diseases. ABOUT BREAST CANCER: Breast cancer is a type of cancer in which cells in the breast become abnormal and grow and divide uncontrollably, eventually forming a mass called a tumor. Malignant tumors have cells that can invade nearby tissues. More than 75 percent of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts within the breast.

A total of 177 women took part, all of whom already had stage 4 breast cancer, the most advanced form of the disease.

The new test reportedly will reduce the waiting time to just weeks.

Cells from malignant tumors can break off and travel through lymphatic and blood vessels. If the new test shows that a woman has no circulating cancer cells, she may not need further treatment. If the test shows that lots of cells are circulating, more aggressive treatment is indicated.

Researchers also plan to investigate whether the new test also works for patients with colon, lung and prostate cancer.

Blood test finds breast cancer at its earliest stage

Researchers have claimed that scans can actually trigger the disease in some women

A new blood test that detects breast cancer at its earliest stage could become a vital weapon in fighting the disease.

Scientists found the test could pinpoint cancer long before it would show up using other methods.

Trial results showed it was up to 1,000 times more sensitive than existing tests.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer, with 1.1million new cases each year.

Cancer specialists found radiation from the X-rays leaves those with a family history of breast cancer more than 50 per cent more likely to develop it.

The new blood test offers the best hope.

Early detection of cancer gives the best chance of effective treatment. "Our pilot studies show that using blood samples, breast cancer and several other types of epithelial cancers (ovarian, prostate, melanoma) can be detected with much better sensitivity and specificity," she said.

It would also help in distinguishing malignant and benign tumours and in monitoring cancer therapy.

Stephen Duffy, Cancer Research UK's professor of screening, said further trials are needed before the test can be used by doctors.