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Can A PH Measurement Be Used To Diagnose Cancer?

Posted on Sat, 17 Sep 2016

Question: I think I may have cancer. But I have no symptoms. I believe that cancer can not survive above a pH of 7. If I have my pH measured, and it is above 7, can I be assured that I am free of cancer? Thank you.
YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
pH is not measure of cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

The normal pH of human plasma is between 7.35-7.45.
pH of 1.00 is low and it is called metabolic acidosis.
However, pH of 7 is not diagnostic for cancer.
It can neither prove nor rule out cancer.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (21 hours later)

Thank you, Dr. Puri. I read that cancer grows in an acid environment, such as a pH of 6.5. Does it no longer survive at 7 or 7.35? Thank you again.
YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
pH value of 6.5, 7 or 7.5 does not prove or rule out any cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear and welcome again,

Increased metabolism of cancer cells can cause a low pH micro-environment, however, this does not alter the pH of whole body.

pH value of 6.5, 7 or 7.5 does not proves nor rules out any cancer.
Specific investigations are required depending on symptoms and signs for proving or ruling out cancer.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee