Many blood tests aren’t sufficient to diagnose cancer on their own. They can, though, provide signs which may guide your healthcare provider to a diagnosis. To be sure, surgery to take a sample of cells for testing is often necessary for most types of cancer.
There is no specific test that can actually detect cancer. A detailed checkup, as well as medical tests, are usually required for a proper diagnostic workup. A sequence of tests is needed to analyze whether a person has cancer but if another condition (such as an infection) is mimicking cancer symptoms.
Accurate diagnostic testing is used to confirm or rule out the presence of the disease, track the disease process, and plan for and analyze treatment success. When a person’s health has altered, a sample collected was of poor quality, or an unusual test result needs to be verified, it may be necessary to repeat testing.
Imaging, laboratory tests (including tumor marker tests), tumor biopsy, endoscopic examination, surgery, or genetic testing can all be used to diagnose cancer.
Following Blood Tests Used to Detect Cancer:
A test to detect the number of blood cells in your body. A complete blood count (CBC) determines how many of each kind of blood cell are in a blood sample. This test can detect blood cancers.
A test that detects the proteins in the blood. An Electrophoresis blood test examines the proteins in your blood to identify those produced by your body’s germ-fighting immune system. This test helps in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Tests to identify compounds produced by cancer cells. Tumor marker tests examine a blood sample for compounds produced by cancer cells.
Because many healthy cells release these molecules, these tests may not usually aid in the diagnosis of cancer. High levels of tumor markers can also be caused by diseases other than cancer. Instead, tumor marker tests are typically used after a cancer diagnosis to determine whether or not treatment is effective.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer and cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) for ovarian cancer are two examples of tumor markers. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colon cancer and alpha-fetoprotein for testicular cancer are two more examples.
Cancer cell detection tests. Cancer cells in your blood are detected by circulating tumor cell testing. If the cells have broken away from where they developed and are spreading to other areas of the body, they could be in the blood. Circulating tumor cell tests are often used following a cancer diagnosis.
A circulating tumor cell test is not necessary for every cancer patient. These tests are sometimes used to diagnose cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. Researchers are investigating how these diagnostics might benefit those suffering from other types of cancer.
Tests that look for the genetic material of cancer cells. These tests examine a blood sample for microscopic bits of cancer cells’ genetic material, known as DNA. As part of the natural process of growing and dying, both healthy and malignant cells waste portions or break apart. These cell fragments enter the bloodstream and are disposed of by the body. Special tests seek these cell components in a blood sample.
These tests are sometimes utilized in cancer patients to understand the DNA alterations present in cancer cells. The results are used by a healthcare provider to choose the right treatment.
One day, doctors can use these tests to detect cancer symptoms in healthy people who have no symptoms. This is an active research area.
Risks of getting a blood test
Blood sample (phlebotomy) is a safe procedure. There is a chance of:
Bruising and bleeding – pushing hard after the needle is removed can help to stop it pain – this is usually minimal and only lasts a few minutes
Swelling (edema) – ask your nurse, doctor, or phlebotomist to avoid an arm that is swollen or at the possibility of swelling feeling faint, or fainting – tell the person performing your blood test if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any moment infection – this is rarely present.
Cancer risk analysis and screening
Moffitt Cancer Center, a recognized leader in the development of groundbreaking scientific technology that is widely used to diagnose or treat multiple types of cancer, is pleased to offer the most recent cancer screening tests as well as genetic testing for cancer risk. As a patient, you can be confident that you are a high concern at Florida’s top cancer hospital, which is altering the model and providing nationally known care in unique and transformative ways. Their goal is to match every new patient with a sensitive cancer expert within one day.
What are tumor markers?
Tumor markers are substances produced by cancerous cells or normal cells in the body in responding to cancer. Some tumor markers indicate the presence of a specific form of cancer. Others can signify a number of cancer types. Scientists are still learning about known tumor markers and discovering new types.
The following tumor markers are currently in use:
- For the treatment of liver cancer, use Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
- For blood cancers, beta 2-microglobulin (B2M) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are used.
- Calcitonin treatment for thyroid cancer.
- Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) is used to treat ovarian cancer.
- 15-3 cancer Antigens and 27-29 breast cancer Antigens.
- CEA for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other cancers.
- HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for testicular and ovarian cancer.
- PSA is prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen).
If a blood test detects a tumor marker, your doctor will explain what it suggests and prescribe another test.
Things to know
Can cancer be detected by blood tests?
Many blood tests aren’t sufficient to diagnose cancer on their own. They can, though, provide signs which may guide your healthcare provider to a diagnosis. To be sure, surgery to take a sample of cells for testing is often necessary for most types of cancer.
Who performs cancer blood tests?
Blood tests are performed in a doctor’s office, clinic, laboratory, or hospital. Many healthcare providers, including lab technicians and nurses, execute them.
Is it possible to detect cancer with a blood test?
Blood testing is one of many methods used by doctors to detect and treat cancer.
The tests can show important information about:
- Chemicals and proteins in your blood that could be cancer-related.
- Blood cell levels are either high or low, possibly as a result of cancer.
- Overall Health.
- Organ performance.
- Cancer stages.
- Possibilities for treatment
- Whether the treatment is effective or whether the condition is progressing.
- Determine whether or not the cancer has spread (recurrence).
What cancers can blood testing detect?
Blood testing can help with all types of cancer, including blood cancers like:
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
- Myeloma myeloma.
What is blood protein testing?
To find protein in your blood, blood protein testing uses a process known as electrophoresis. Immunoglobulins are proteins that your immune system produces in response to diseases like myeloma.
What is a test for circulating tumor cells?
A new type of cancer blood test detects circulating tumor cells. These cells have split from a tumor and into your bloodstream. This could signal that the cancer is spreading (metastasizing). Currently, the test is able to monitor certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Researchers are still working on the technology.
How should I get ready for a blood test?
Your doctor will offer you specific advice for preparation for your blood test. Depending on the type of test and additional blood work you’re having at the same time, the guidelines may change. You could be required to fast for eight to 12 hours. That is, you should not eat or drink anything other than water. You may also need to avoid certain drugs before.
What are the risks of blood testing for cancer?
Blood tests are very safe and carry little risk. There could be a small bruise where the needle enters your skin. Warm compresses can help when the vein swells.
