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Is There A Blood Test To Detect Cancer?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Jun 2014
Question: Is there a blood test that a person can take to see if they have any type of cancer. If so what would it consist ok.

If not is there any test that can tell other than biopsy
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No single blood test

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Unfortunately cancer cells do not produce any particular common substance that can be measured in the blood. So there is specific substance.

However different cancers have different tumor markers released in the blood. Their use is currently restricted to suspected cancer patients after careful examination by oncologist. They are not applied to general population as a part of routine blood check up.

However the proven test during routine examination are pap smear, prostate antigen, mammogram after 40 yrs in female, colonoscopy in colon cancer.

Hope this helps.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2242 Questions

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Is There A Blood Test To Detect Cancer?

Brief Answer: No single blood test Detailed Answer: Hi, Unfortunately cancer cells do not produce any particular common substance that can be measured in the blood. So there is specific substance. However different cancers have different tumor markers released in the blood. Their use is currently restricted to suspected cancer patients after careful examination by oncologist. They are not applied to general population as a part of routine blood check up. However the proven test during routine examination are pap smear, prostate antigen, mammogram after 40 yrs in female, colonoscopy in colon cancer. Hope this helps.