Scientists develop blood test that can detect 50 types of cancer

A blood test that can detect 50 types of cancer has shown promising results in early trials, scientists have said, the Daily Mail reports. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/ 

Researchers in New York have identified 35 cases of cancer using the test, but 57 more people have been misdiagnosed.

The Galleri blood test uses a single swab to look for the signal emitted by many cancers, including those affecting the breasts, lungs and kidneys. Scientists say the method is very promising for early detection of some cancers, such as pancreatic, whereas existing tests can only detect them in the later stages, when the chances of survival are reduced.

It can be purchased by prescription for $949 a package, but experts say the test should not be used in place of standard screening procedures. 

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who conducted the study said that while the test is good, it still needs refinement. This comes just one day after U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled plans to cut cancer deaths in half to 300,000 a year by 2042 by investing millions of dollars in developing blood tests.

The results of the study were presented at the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Paris.

The study included 6,621 people over the age of 50.

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