Cancer Detection Through Blood and Urine Tests: What You Need to Know

Diagnosing cancer can be a challenging and often terrifying experience. Traditionally, cancers are detected through scans and imaging tests, but new advances in medical technology are revolutionizing how we detect and diagnose cancer. This article explores the role of blood and urine tests in detecting cancer, specifically focusing on the Galleri test and the importance of tumor markers.

The Galleri Test: A Breakthrough in Early Cancer Detection

The Galleri test, developed by Grail, is a new blood test that can detect up to 50 different types of cancer. Unlike traditional imaging tests, the Galleri test looks for DNA fragments in the blood, which can indicate the presence of cancer. When the test detects potential cancer, an imaging study such as an MRI or CT scan can be used to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor.

While the Galleri test is a significant step forward in cancer detection, it is not a foolproof method. As with any medical test, there can be false positives and false negatives. The test has been approved by the FDA, making it accessible to any doctor who wants to order it. However, Medicare and most insurance plans do not cover the cost, making it a cost that patients may need to bear on their own.

Specific Cancer Blood Tests

Some cancers can be detected through specific blood tests that are designed to identify particular changes in the body. For example, the PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer, while the leukemia test can be performed to detect blood cancers.

For individuals with specific types of cancer, such as neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), regular monitoring involves both blood and urine tests. For NETs, a 24-hour urine collection test is performed to measure 5HIAA, a biomarker associated with certain tumors. Additionally, blood tests are used to monitor tumor markers and hormone levels, which can be disrupted due to the presence of cancer.

Early Detection Through Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to the presence of cancer. Regular monitoring of these markers can be crucial for early detection and treatment of cancers. In the case of NETs, the author of this article monitored their 5HIAA levels as well as hormone levels on a regular basis.

Not all cancers can be detected through tumor markers alone, but for some, such as the NETs experienced by the author, they are an indispensable tool. The author's experience includes four cancers over the past 23 years, with the last one being found due to elevated tumor marker tests. These tests, conducted at every follow-up with an oncologist, helped identify a new breast cancer when a few key markers were higher than normal. The author successfully underwent a series of treatments, including lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy, and is alive today.

Unfortunately, doctors are increasingly leaning away from tumor marker tests. As the story of the author demonstrates, these tests can be crucial for early detection and can mean the difference between life and death. The importance of tumor marker tests in cancer care should not be underestimated.

For more information on cancer detection and the latest advancements, consult with your healthcare provider or visit reputable medical websites and resources. Early detection is crucial in improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery.