In a new study, scientists have revealed that a blood test can accurately detect up to 97% of early-stage breast cancer cases. According to the researchers, this test analyzes eight small RNA particles and eight large DNA markers (which together form a genetic signature of the disease) in breast cancer patients.
Currently, diagnosing breast cancer before it reaches the advanced stage is very difficult. The disease occurs in the breast tissue and its symptoms can be misleading compared to other conditions. Senior researcher Ajay Goel stated in a news release that breast cancer is one of the deadliest diseases. The diagnosis of this disease is usually made when it has already spread to other organs and causes damage.
The research also revealed that after an early diagnosis, the chances of surviving for five years for patients are up to 44%. This rate decreases to 3% after the cancer has spread to other organs.
In initial tests on 95 patients from the US and Japan, the accuracy of the blood test in diagnosing the disease remained at 98%. However, in the latest trial involving 523 patients and 461 healthy individuals from the US, Japan, South Korea, and China, the diagnostic rate was 93% in American participants, 91% in South Korean participants, and 88% in Chinese patients.