Blood tests are the most reliable diagnostic procedures for detecting health problems, including cancers! If this surprises you, consider reading this blog until the end. Recent advancements in medical research have enabled scientists to develop several sophisticated blood tests that can screen for many cancers all in a go. In this context, you must know that many myths revolve around this concept, waiting to be clarified. Worry not – we will discuss each of them below.
Does cancer show up in routine blood work?
Myth: A routine blood analysis shows the presence of cancer.
Fact: A routine blood test comprises a wide range of procedures, each carried out by a physician. Such a test detects specific health issues and helps obtain a better diagnosis.
An abnormal outcome for a routine blood analysis is, of course, indicative of cancer. However, this does not mean that a normal result eliminates the possibility of cancer. Here lies the need to perform different tests. Routine blood tests that can show signs of cancer include:
- Full blood count
- Basic metabolic panel
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- LDH level
- Serum Immunoglobulins
If you obtain aberrations in the blood test report, the doctor may incorporate a set of additional tests. Here’s a list of some parameters that blood tests can show.
- High or low levels of red blood cells
- High or low levels of white blood cells
- High calcium levels
Your doctor will assess the results and determine other factors, such as age, family history, existing health conditions, etc. Depending on the information obtained, he will decide on the next steps. Additional tests may also be included to rule out cancers and those that point to specific issues contributing to result abnormalities.
What cancers are detected by blood tests?
Myth: A blood test can diagnose cancer on its own.
Fact: Various cancers trigger hormonal and metabolic changes within the body. These are detected by a blood test, known for identifying tumour marker genes. However, a single blood test is not enough to make a proper diagnosis. Sometimes, the results may be caused by other specific conditions that are not cancer. Your doctor will generally assess the results and perform other tests. At times, these are also incorporated to ensure if the cancer treatment is working efficiently. Below is a list of some most common cancers:
- Blood cancer
- Bone cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Cervical cancer
Tests for blood cancer
Blood tests are beneficial to diagnose a number of cancerous conditions, such as:
Suppose your blood test results exhibit signs of blood cancer. In that case, you may need additional tests such as a bone marrow biopsy, CT scan, and genetic test. Together, these help generate a complete picture of your underlying cancer, including its type, range of advancement, and whether it has metastasised to other body regions. This aids the doctor in choosing the best treatment plan for you.
Tests for prostate cancer
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is required in this case. Individuals who have prostate cancer typically exhibit symptoms such as difficulty while urinating, abnormal bleeding, pain in the lower hip girdle, etc. If you see high levels of PSA after getting blood reports, an MRI scan and biopsy will be needed. In a biopsy, the doctor will collect a small tissue sample from your prostate and then send it to the laboratory for assessment. Individuals above fifty have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer; hence, it is crucial to take a PSA test in advance.
Tests for bone cancer
Doctors generally employ a combination of X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to detect cancer. Sometimes, a bone profile blood test can also detect cancer. For confirmation, a biopsy is performed, removing a tissue sample from the affected bone. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to detect the presence of cancerous cells.
Tests for ovarian cancer
If females have problems with their ovaries, they must get a CA-125 blood test. It is beneficial for identifying tumour markers, which are specific chemical components released by cancerous cells. Additional tests, like a scan or biopsy, may also be performed to confirm the presence of ovarian cancer.
Tests for colorectal cancer
First, the doctor performs a visual assessment by looking within the rectum and colon for abnormal signs. Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light is inserted through the rectum. CT scans may also be done to create 3-dimensional images of the internal digestive organs, associated bones and blood vessels. These are beneficial for knowing if the cancer has spread to other regions and lymph nodes. The most common blood tests used in colorectal cancer detection are:
- Stool-based tests
These can be conveniently performed at home. Since bloody stool is a common symptom of colorectal cancer, a small amount of faecal blood is examined. Standard tests include the faecal occult blood test (FOBT), faecal immunochemical test (FIT), stool DNA-FIT, etc. You just need to collect your excreta sample and send it to a clinical lab or your doctor’s chamber for testing.
- Shield blood test
This test looks for changes in cell-free DNA in the bloodstream. It is particularly indicative of tumours or precancerous growths in the colon.
Tests for cervical cancer
The Pap test is the primary test for detecting cervical cancer. Another test is the HPV test, that looks for human papillomavirus, responsible for causing cellular changes in the cervix. Apart from these tests, a physical exam is done to visualise external changes in the genitalia or the surrounding lymph nodes. Sometimes, doctors incorporate a complete blood count test.
Warning signs of cancer that you should not miss out!
Possible signs of cancer include the following:
- Abnormal lumps associated with pain
- Extreme tiredness that is often unexplainable
- Severe weight loss
- Blood coming out while you vomit
- Breathing difficulties and chest pain
- Loss of appetite
Conclusion
Any type of cancer is fatal; thus, getting checked early is crucial. However, if you suspect pain in the bones along with lumpy outgrowths, get a bone profile blood test without wasting much time!
