Private Blood Tests and Cancer Detection: Insights Explained
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Recent advancements in medical science make detecting several types of cancer possible through a simple blood test. If this sounds interesting to you, read this blog until the end to learn how a full blood count test in London works for cancer identification! Also, you will know about other procedures incorporated in a routine blood test and get informed about you current health status accordingly. However, keep in mind that these blood analyses do not confirm the presence of cancer and only indicate the possibility of developing the same in future. Read on below to know more!
Does cancer show up in routine blood tests?
A routine blood test involves a wide range of diagnostic analyses and does not detect a specific health condition. Try consulting a specified GP in advance if you suspect a cancer. Here is a list of standard blood tests to identify cancerous symptoms:
- Full blood count
- Basic metabolic panel
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- LDH level
- Serum Immunoglobulins
What do the results infer?
Do not panic if you see any abnormality in the test result. Visit for a follow-up and know what your outcomes mean. A blood test typically indicates:
- High or low levels of red blood cells
- High or low levels of white blood cells
- Increased calcium levels
Your doctor will analyse the results along with various risk factors, such as age and family history. Post-analysis, he may suggest additional tests to confirm the presence of cancer or any other disorders.
What cancers can you detect through blood tests?
While many cancers trigger hormonal and metabolic changes in the body that can be reliably detected through a blood test, it's important to note that a blood test alone cannot confirm the presence of cancer. However, it can provide valuable insights into the possibility of its development. Some common cancers that can be detected through such tests are blood cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer.
Types of blood tests
Blood cancer
Blood tests are beneficial in detecting the following conditions:
- Leukaemia
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Myeloma
If test outcomes exhibit signs of blood cancer, you may need additional procedures such as bone marrow biopsy, specific scanning, and gene tests. Together, they help to create a picture of your cancer, including its type, the level of advancement, and how much it has spread. This assists the doctor in planning the best treatment module for you.
Ovarian cancer
If you suspect ovarian cancer, the doctor will prescribe a CA-125 blood test. This test checks out for specific tumour markers which are nothing but small chemicals released by cancer cells. Your doctor may advise to get a scan or a biopsy to investigate your issue more deeply.
Prostate cancer
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the prime blood test for determining prostate cancer risks. PSA is a protein explicitly secreted by the prostate, and when its levels rise in the blood, this can potentially increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. If you have difficulty urinating, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible and get a PSA test. Upon getting test results, if you find higher levels, you may require an additional MRI scan or biopsy. This helps in obtaining a detailed insight into your prostate health.
(Note: Prostate exams are one of the most important health check-ups for men post 50)
Is it possible to have cancer even if blood test reports are normal?
Blood tests do not provide 100% accuracy, and there is always a chance of fluctuation. However, upon analysing the results, if the doctor states that you do not have cancer, there is no need to worry unnecessarily. Feel free to book a second appointment with the same doctor or a different one to check for any alternation in symptoms.
When should I go for a cancer test?
There are primarily two types of cancer testing – screening and diagnostic tests. The first is meant for individuals who do not currently have any symptoms but are at a high risk of developing the same in the future. This cautions the suspected person early, so he/she can obtain the best treatment plan to prevent the onset of cancer. On the other hand, diagnostic tests are performed to detect cancer's presence when a person already has it but is unaware or unsure. Here's when one must consider cancer tests as a priority.
Presence of warning signs
Different cancers present different symptoms; hence, no two other individuals will share the same signs. Cancers bring specific changes in the affected region in the form of lumps or pain. There may be symptoms of tiredness and weight loss as well. Although not all cancers are serious, it is better to consult an oncologist. Certain signs that you must not ignore are:
- Lumps, rashes or bruising of the skin
- Pain
- Digestive issues associated with nausea. Sometimes, vomiting out blood may happen
- Abnormal bodily functions (like frequent trips to the toilet)
- Violent coughs exceeding more than three weeks
- Difficulty in breathing along with chest pain
- The feeling of run down
- Drastic weight loss
- Lack of appetite
Screening for cancer by age
In London, three major cancer screening services are available. They offer screening facilities after assessing specific criteria such as:
- Age considerations and family history
- Potential risk factors like smoking (screening for other types of cancer is also done)
- It provides a guide as to when, where, and how to obtain a cancer test.
Conclusion
Several healthcare centres in London offer the facility of diagnostic blood tests. Thus, if you suspect yourself of having cancer or are worried about potential symptoms, do not ignore it anymore. Compare the locally available clinics and book a slot for a private blood test in London now! But before that, thoroughly check out the services and note your medical history, as this helps in a better diagnosis. Apart from screening and diagnostic tests, Walk in Clinics London give you special referrals for top oncologists to get the best cancer assessment!
