Developing a blood test for cancer detection is a huge advance towards the survival rates of cancer. Early detection is key to preventing the disease from spreading and greatly impacts mortality rates. In an exciting progression towards this, scientists at John Hopkins University have developed a blood test that, if successful, could be used nationwide.
The CancerSEEK test looks for mutations in DNA and proteins, which tumours release traces of into the bloodstream. In a trail on 1,005 cancer patients, 70% of cancers where found. The patients tested had cancers in the ovary, stomach, liver, esophagus, colon, lung, pancreas or breast- but had not yet spread to other tissues.
It will now be moved on to be tested who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer, which is the real test of its effectiveness. If successful, it will have a huge impact on mortality, with five of the eight cancers investigated currently having no screening programmes for early detection.
According to one doctor from the University, Dr. Tomasetti, being able to detect those cancers early and remove tumours while still able would be ‘a night and day difference’ for survival. He also added that the team envisions a blood test that could be used once a year.
While the test still needs more research to understand its usefulness, Dr. Gert Attard -team leader in the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at the Institute of Cancer Research- told the BBC:
‘I'm enormously excited. This is the Holy Grail - a blood test to diagnose cancer without all the other procedures like scans or colonoscopy.’
However, there is doubt about what the future holds even if the test proves worthwhile. Some of the treatments for cancer can be considered more life-altering than living with the initial, non-life-threatening cancer. Regardless, with early detection being so important, the ability to treat cancer early if necessary and monitor it closely in future is groundbreaking.
Click through to see the best beauty buys for Breast Cancer Awareness month...
The Best Beauty Buys For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1 of 8Limited Edition Supersize Skin Bliss Capsules, £99
These handy little capsules are a 2-month supply of antioxidant-rich day and night facial oils to help to improve the visible signs of ageing whilst breaking down skin-clogging toxins. The morning capsule helps nourish and soften skin with Rose Absolute, while the evening capsule is infused with soothing Lavender to help repair and protect skin overnight. £10 of the retail purchase price will go to Breast Cancer Now, but regardless of sales, ELEMIS has pledged to donate a minimum of £33,000 to Breast Cancer Now to take the stand against cancer.
2 of 8Trinny London, Lip 2 Cheek in Sherin, £25
The newest member of the Trinny tribe, and in turn the latest Lip2Cheek shade, is Sherin, and 10% of every sale of the Lip2Cheek shade (and others across the range) will be donated to Sherin's chosen charity, Breast Cancer Now, who supported her on her own personal journey. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Friday 1st October – Sunday 31st October), Trinny London will also be offering one-to-one virtual appointments to those receiving cancer treatment, with the aim of sharing the best products, tips and tricks as their skin adapts to treatment – whether it's increased sensitivity, redness or sparse brows.
3 of 8GHD Gold Hair Straightener in Rose Pink, £149
For another year, GHD are campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of self-checking, and are supporting breast cancer charities with their Take Control Now collection, including the GHD gold hair straightener in limited edition rose pink. Expect the brands salon quality, sleek results from with two next-generation heat sensor plates, without extreme heat.
4 of 8Carolina Herrera, Pink October Range, From £15.50
Carolina Herrera have launched not one product, but an entire range, 'A Touch of Love' for Pink October, a new initiative to help support and raise awareness around breast cancer around the world. 10% of the proceeds from the edit (including fragrances and makeup refills) will go to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), which offers free services for patients and families affected by cancer.
5 of 8Scientia, Limited Edition Pure Clarity Targeted Blemish Paste, £16
This year Scientia are launching an exclusive new product in partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation, revamped with Limited Edition pink packaging and a special kind of Zinc Oxide to make the formula pink too. The blemish paste not only reduces redness but works to prevent budding blemishes too. But its only available for a limited time, and with 100% of proceeds going to the charity, there's no better reason not to snap this up now.
6 of 8Ann Summers, My Viv Massage Candle Bergamot, £20
With 10% of profits going to Breast Cancer Now, this relaxing lavender and amber candle is the ultimate in self gifting, creating a 'sensual' and relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy, and helping to contribute towards cancer research and care.
7 of 8Elemental Herbology, Calm & Soothe Collection, £50
Elemental Herbology has partnered with The Pink Ribbon Foundation to create a Limited Edition gift collection, with £5 from each Calm & Soothe Collection kit sold, helping to relieve the needs of people who are suffering from or have been affected by breast cancer. Each gift set contains a Breast Self-Check Guide, Antioxidant Hydration Mist, Neroli & Rose Damask Body Cream and Aromatherapy Candle, designed to calm the mind and soothe the skin with with a gentle blend of rose damask, neroli and chamomile.
8 of 8Kevin Murphy, Plumping Wash, £24
This October, haircare brand KEVIN.MURPHY are standing up to Breast Cancer with their MORE THAN PINK kit. Including the ultra voluminsing Plumping Wash, Plumping Rinse, and Session Spray Flex, for every kit sold, KEVIN.MURPHY will donate £1 to CoppaFeel!,
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