Scientists have developed a groundbreaking blood test that can accurately predict the risk of bowel cancer in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The test, boasting over 90 percent accuracy, could revolutionize early detection and potentially save lives.
A groundbreaking blood test could soon revolutionize bowel cancer detection, offering early identification of individuals at highest risk and potentially saving lives. Scientists have developed a highly accurate method, boasting over 90 percent precision, for detecting the disease in high-risk patients, particularly those with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ). IBD , encompassing conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, significantly elevates the risk of developing bowel cancer .
This new blood test empowers doctors to pinpoint which IBD patients are most likely to develop the disease within the next five years. This remarkable advancement holds immense promise for improving early detection and minimizing the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopies.The study, conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research in collaboration with specialists at St Mark's Hospital, the UK's leading bowel hospital, analyzed samples from 122 IBD patients. Half of the participants developed bowel cancer within five years, while the other half remained cancer-free. Scientists meticulously scanned the DNA of pre-cancerous cells from these patients, revealing a distinct pattern in those who went on to develop the disease. They lost multiple copies of their DNA, a key indicator highlighted in the study published in the journal Gut.Based on these findings, researchers developed a sophisticated algorithm that calculates an individual's risk of future bowel cancer based on the precise DNA alterations present in their pre-cancerous cells. This combination of blood test and algorithm could significantly impact patient care.It could spare individuals at low risk from the anxiety of frequent colonoscopies or even surgery to remove the colon. Professor Trevor Graham from the Institute of Cancer Research, who co-led the research, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough: 'Our test and algorithm provide individuals with IBD and their doctors with the most accurate information possible, enabling them to make informed decisions about managing their cancer risk. We can confidently identify those at high risk while alleviating the concerns of many others.'The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared cancer a global health emergency, with bowel cancer being one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This groundbreaking research offers a beacon of hope in the fight against this devastating disease. The findings align with the NHS's recent initiative to extend bowel cancer screening to include individuals over 50. The family of Dame Deborah James, a prominent bowel cancer advocate who tragically passed away in 2022, expressed their delight at this decision, which will make millions more eligible for life-saving screenings.Dr. Iain Foulkes, executive director of research and innovation at Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, underscored the potential impact: 'This research allows us to focus resources on treating individuals with IBD who are at the highest risk, saving valuable time and money for healthcare systems. It also provides peace of mind to those at lower risk, eliminating the fear of future bowel cancer.'
BOWEL CANCER BLOOD TEST INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IBD EARLY DETECTION CANCER RESEARCH NHS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Blood Test Could Revolutionize Bowel Cancer Screening for IBD PatientsA groundbreaking study has developed a highly accurate method for predicting bowel cancer risk in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The test, which analyzes DNA alterations in pre-cancerous cells, could lead to a blood test that identifies high-risk patients, paving the way for more personalized and effective screening strategies.
Read more »
New Blood Test Detects Bowel Cancer Risk in IBD Patients with 90% AccuracyA new study has found that a simple blood test can accurately predict the risk of bowel cancer in the next five years for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The test, funded by Cancer Research UK, showed 90 percent accuracy in identifying those at high risk.
Read more »
The 'Blood' in Your Rare Steak Isn't Actually BloodA common misconception about rare steak is that the red liquid it produces is blood. However, experts have clarified that this liquid is actually myoglobin, a protein responsible for delivering oxygen to muscles.
Read more »
Ransomware Attack Disrupts Blood Supply at New York Blood Center EnterprisesA ransomware attack targeting New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) has severely disrupted blood supply operations in the northeastern United States. The attack, which began five days ago, has caused system outages and forced the cancellation of blood donations appointments. While NYBCe works diligently to restore systems and minimize service disruptions, the attack coincides with an already critical blood shortage.
Read more »
New Blood Test Could Improve Asthma Diagnosis in ChildrenResearchers have developed a new blood test that could more accurately diagnose different types of childhood asthma, known as endotypes. This could lead to more precise treatment plans and pave the way for better therapies for this common chronic disease, which disproportionately affects Black and Puerto Rican children.
Read more »
Australian Researchers Develop Novel Blood Test for EndometriosisA breakthrough study published in Human Reproduction reveals a new blood test capable of diagnosing endometriosis, a debilitating condition affecting one in nine Australian women and girls. The non-invasive test identifies 10 protein biomarkers in the blood that can indicate the presence of endometriosis, offering a faster and more accurate diagnosis compared to the current average wait of seven years.
Read more »