Blood Tests and Cancer Detection

What Blood Tests Can Detect

While blood tests alone cannot detect most types of cancer, they can be helpful in detecting certain blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, blood tests can provide information about the presence of cancer in the body by detecting abnormal levels of certain substances, such as tumor markers.

Types of Blood Tests for Cancer Detection

Some blood tests used to diagnose cancer include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): Measures the amount of each type of blood cell, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Tumor markers: These are proteins or other substances that are produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. High levels of tumor markers can indicate the presence of cancer.
• Circulating tumor cells (CTCs): These are cancer cells that have been shed from a tumor and are circulating in the bloodstream. Detecting CTCs can provide information about the type and location of cancer.

Blood Tests for Cancer Monitoring

For people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer, blood tests can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and to detect any recurrence of the disease.

Limitations of Blood Tests for Cancer Detection

It is important to note that no single blood test can accurately diagnose cancer. Blood tests are typically used in combination with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging tests and biopsies.