Blood test can detect cancer 18 months before symptoms appear
A new blood test means it is now possible to detect cancer up to 18 months before symptoms even appear. Test for Cancer has launched the HrC Genomics blood test, a non-invasive screening tool designed to spot cancer before it becomes symptomatic, reducing the need for invasive procedures like tissue biopsies.
With cancer among the world's leading causes of death, early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes. But many cancers are diagnosed too late, when treatment options are more limited and survival rates are lower.
Test for Cancer says its new test can change that. By identifying specific stem cells that begin circulating when cancer is present, even before symptoms emerge, the HrC Genomics test offers a way to screen for cancer much earlier than standard approaches allow.
READ MORE: Cardiologists name two foods that lower cholesterol 'just like statins'
READ MORE: Neurologist says you can cut cholesterol, blood pressure and dementia risk in 20 minutes
According to the organisation, these cells, known as pluripotent progenitor stem cells, can be detected in the blood as early as 12 to 18 months before any signs of illness. That early window gives patients and doctors more time to intervene and improves the chances of successful treatment.
The test is available to adults of all ages and is not limited by gender or family history, making it a potentially powerful screening option for people who might not otherwise qualify for routine checks. Test for Cancer says its mission is to make early cancer detection more widely accessible, helping more people take control of their health and catch cancer before it advances.
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