Are Cancer Lab or Blood Tests Any Good??
Fact: Cancer IS the biggest killer of people aged 85 years or less. So this does pertain to you reading this more than likely. Again, early detection is key. For example, if a breast cancer is caught while in stage one, which is means its small and hasn’t spread, survival is over 95 percent.
Let’s address a few of these points:
First of all, you should be doing all you can to prevent getting any cancer. This includes, but not limited to:
- not being obese
- not smoking
- not excessively drinking alcohol
- getting recommended vaccinations (like HPV and hepatitis B)
- getting your recommended routine screenings for cervical, breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer if applicable. The earlier they’re caught, the better your chances.
I have these recommendations and more in the Midlife Health Guides I’ve written:
As well as you can go to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force Recommendations website.
Does having normal routine labs mean I don’t have cancer?
Nothing beats the above for screening and early detection of the above biggest cancer killers. AND, if your doctor told you that your lab work was normal that definitely does NOT mean you are clear of any cancers. Sorry, but it’s true. Even “tumor markers” for ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and colon cancers are NOT approved for cancer detection. (These are used almost exclusively for monitoring an established cancer and its treatment.)
However, many killer cancers do not have a recommended screening test and as a result, they aren’t caught until late, thus having a quite poor prognosis. That’s why we’re excited to offer the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test to our patients.
Galleri is the first of its kind multi-cancer early detection test that screens for a signal shared by multiple cancers, many without recommended screening tests. In a clinical study the test was able to detect a signal shared by more than 50 types of cancer with a simple blood draw. This includes catching 12 early that are usually caught in a later stage accounting for almost 2/3 of all cancer deaths. Learn more about the Galleri test at galleri.com or watch a short video here. The test is recommended for use in adults with an elevated risk for cancer, such as those aged 50 or older. It is intended to be used in addition to, and not replace, other cancer screening tests. For safety information visit galleri.com/safety-information.
Galleri is a screening test and does not diagnose cancer. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm cancer. The Galleri test looks for active cancer and does not predict your future genetic risk for cancer. The Galleri test does not detect all cancers and not all cancers can be detected in the blood. False positive and false negative results do occur.
Take control of your health and call us now to make an appointment. Dr Chris Rao can determine if this test or others may be best for you—no two people are the same.
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog on imaging tests for cancer—Are they better than lab tests? When to use them. What are their benefits and risks?? Chris Rao, MD
Visit unisonproyouth.com for more information and to sign up for our emails and blogs—very informative. You can buy my books at midlifehealthguideformen.com and midlifehealthguideforwomen.com. Please email us at [email protected] for any information, to become a patient, or to suggest further topics.
We’re located at 515 N Flagler Dr, Suite 350, W. Palm Beach, FL 33401. 561-779-4558.
Great health and happiness!! Thanks!! Chris Rao, MD
