We know that lung cancer is more likely to be cured the earlier it is caught. Yet by the time people experience symptoms of lung cancer, it has frequently progressed beyond the point where surgery alone offers a good chance for long-term survival. Why can’t we screen for lung cancer before there are symptoms – as we do for many other cancers, such as breast cancer and colon cancer?

Controversy abounds currently over the use of CT Scans to screen for lung cancer, but a new approach may be on the horizon. According to research presented at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society May 20, 2008, a simple blood test may be used to test for lung cancer in the future.

Researchers found that by testing for a certain gene expression on the white blood cells circulating in someone’s body, they could detect lung cancer with 87% accuracy.

Even for those that have symptoms, the diagnosis of lung cancer can be a trying experience involving a multitude of imaging tests and biopsies. A blood test offers the hope that lung cancer could be diagnosed in a much less invasive and potentially more rapid fashion.

Even if this blood test for lung cancer becomes available to the public, the first step should be to practice prevention. 90% of lung cancer is preventable. Smoking is not the only risk factor for lung cancer, and non-smokers get lung cancer too. See if you are doing all you can to prevent lung cancer.

_Source:

Blood test for Early Lung Cancer Shows Promise. Healthfinder.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed 05/20/2008.