Tag

Early Detection

All articles tagged with #early detection

ER dismissal, then rectal cancer: a Toronto model’s urgent cancer journey
health5 days ago

ER dismissal, then rectal cancer: a Toronto model’s urgent cancer journey

Toronto model Jess Grossman, who lives with an ostomy after childhood Crohn’s disease and colon removal, says ER staff brushed off her persistent pelvic pain as endometriosis until a CT scan raised flags. After a biopsy, she was diagnosed with rectal cancer four weeks from the first symptoms and is undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy (16 weeks total) to shrink the tumor before potential surgery to remove the rectal stump. She documents her journey online to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection.

Canine Instinct Leads to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Diagnosis
health6 days ago

Canine Instinct Leads to Lifesaving Breast Cancer Diagnosis

A North Carolina woman credits her dog, Ceto, with saving her life after the dog’s anxious behavior and nudging of her breast led to a breast cancer diagnosis. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, and is now cancer-free while participating in a Cleveland Clinic trial for a preventive breast cancer vaccine.

Cancer Interception: Targeting the Seeds Years Before a Tumor Forms
science7 days ago

Cancer Interception: Targeting the Seeds Years Before a Tumor Forms

Scientists are pursuing 'cancer interception'—targeting cancer-causing processes long before tumors appear, using genetic clues, precancerous lesions, and multicancer early detection (MCED) blood tests that look for circulating tumor DNA. While promising for catching cancers earlier (notably colorectal cancer), MCEDs face challenges like missed cancers, false positives requiring follow-ups, cost, and ethical concerns around overdiagnosis and health inequities. Regulators and researchers aim to combine genetic, environmental, and MCED data to guide prevention in a safe, fair, and effective way, with UK plans to expand diagnostic testing as part of national cancer strategy.

Late-Life Depression Linked to Early Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia, Study Finds
health10 days ago

Late-Life Depression Linked to Early Parkinson's or Lewy Body Dementia, Study Finds

A Danish study following 17,711 people over 12 years found that depression is more common years before a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia, with rates rising about eight years prior and remaining elevated after diagnosis, strongest for Lewy body dementia. By comparing with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis, researchers suggest the link isn’t solely due to disability. The study shows association, not causation, and supports screening older adults with new or late-onset depression for early neurodegenerative signs to enable earlier care and research.

50+ Adults Urged to Prioritize Skin Cancer Screenings for Early Detection
health10 days ago

50+ Adults Urged to Prioritize Skin Cancer Screenings for Early Detection

An oncologist aged 50+ urges people over 50 to routinely screen for skin cancer, stressing that it’s the most common cancer and is highly treatable when detected early. Screenings combine self-exams and professional skin checks, with risk assessments (such as the American Cancer Society’s CancerRisk360) guiding personalized screening plans. He also emphasizes not skipping other essential screenings for those 50+, including colorectal cancer (colonoscopy every 10 years starting at 45 or earlier for higher risk) and lung cancer (annual low‑dose CT for high‑risk individuals), underscoring the importance of following up on any concerning findings.

Colorectal cancer screening moves younger: why 45 is the new starting age and what to expect
health12 days ago

Colorectal cancer screening moves younger: why 45 is the new starting age and what to expect

The piece explains that colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger people, leading to guidelines that now start average-risk screening at age 45 with a colonoscopy every 10 years (or stool tests as alternatives), notes that a family or personal history can trigger earlier testing, and discusses symptoms, costs, and the role of noninvasive tests like Cologuard and FIT. It also highlights that lifestyle factors and access to care influence risk and screening uptake.

Early markers could spot osteoarthritis risk in young adults before symptoms
health17 days ago

Early markers could spot osteoarthritis risk in young adults before symptoms

The article highlights that osteoarthritis is increasingly diagnosed in younger, active individuals and discusses how emerging diagnostic techniques—such as spectral fingerprinting using spectroscopy to analyze blood biomarkers—could detect risk before pain or joint damage appears. This early detection could enable preventive actions like targeted exercise, weight management, and injury prevention, potentially reducing long-term disability and healthcare costs. Current treatments focus on symptom management and may involve injections or, in severe cases, joint replacement, but early identification could shift care toward prevention and preservation of joint health.

Four-marker blood test shows promise for early pancreatic cancer detection
health21 days ago

Four-marker blood test shows promise for early pancreatic cancer detection

A NIH-backed study reports a four-marker blood test—CA19-9, THBS2, ANPEP, and PIGR—that accurately detects pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, including early-stage disease, with 91.9% overall accuracy at a 5% false-positive rate and 87.5% sensitivity for stage I/II cancers; the test also differentiates cancer from pancreatitis and could enable screening for high-risk groups, though larger prediagnostic studies are needed.

Early Signals: Subtle Prostate Cancer Symptoms Men 40+ Should Not Ignore
health21 days ago

Early Signals: Subtle Prostate Cancer Symptoms Men 40+ Should Not Ignore

Medical professionals warn that men over 40 should watch for early prostate cancer signs, including more frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a sense that the bladder won’t fully empty, blood in urine or semen, new erectile issues or painful ejaculation, persistent lower-back/hip/pelvic pain, and unexplained fatigue or weight loss. If symptoms persist for weeks, consult a GP promptly for assessment and potential PSA testing, with Prostate Cancer UK providing resources and support.

United by unique: Punjab rallies push early cancer detection
health22 days ago

United by unique: Punjab rallies push early cancer detection

On World Cancer Day, Capitol Hospital organized a cancer patient support meet under the theme 'United by unique', with about 80 participants and oncologists stressing early signs, regular screening, and lifestyle measures; CT College of Pharmacy and CT Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences hosted education and advocacy sessions including cervical cancer and radiation therapy talks; students at Kanya Maha Vidyalaya and St Soldier Nursing Training Institute conducted rallies, poster sessions, and lectures to raise awareness about cancer causes, symptoms, and prevention.

When Stool Changes Warn: A Hidden Sign of Colorectal Cancer
health25 days ago

When Stool Changes Warn: A Hidden Sign of Colorectal Cancer

Rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults make awareness crucial: pencil-thin stools can be a rare but serious red flag when tumors narrow the end of the colon, alongside more common signs like blood in stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss; not all cases show symptoms. If you notice persistent changes in bowel habits, consult a doctor. Screening with colonoscopy or stool tests is the best way to catch cancer early, with most people starting screening at 45 (earlier if you have risk factors or a family history).

Blood biomarkers hint at decades-early warning for Parkinson’s
health26 days ago

Blood biomarkers hint at decades-early warning for Parkinson’s

A European study found that blood biomarkers linked to early DNA repair and cellular stress, identified with machine learning, may reveal Parkinson’s long before motor symptoms, paving the way for inexpensive blood tests and earlier treatment—with clinical usage potentially within five years—though brain changes may not fully match blood signals and no cure exists.

Colorblindness May Obscure Bladder Cancer Clues and Raise Mortality Risk
health28 days ago

Colorblindness May Obscure Bladder Cancer Clues and Raise Mortality Risk

Stanford Medicine analyzed large electronic health records via the TriNetX platform and found colorblind individuals diagnosed with bladder cancer had a 52% higher risk of death over 20 years compared with color-normal patients, likely due to delayed detection of blood in urine. The effect was not seen for colorectal cancer. The study suggests clinicians consider color vision differences in screening and encourage urine testing when suspicion arises; the researchers note possible undercounting and call for further investigation.