Simple Blood Test Could Detect Breast Cancer In Scientific Breakthrough

A simple blood test could detect early breast cancer in patients in a scientific breakthrough.

The 'gamechanger' Trucheck Test uses 5ml of blood to detect whether there are circulating tumour cells (CTCs) within the body. The test is believed to correctly identify 92 percent of breast cancers by flagging CTCs.

It's hoped the test will lead to early detection of breast cancer, particularly in women under 50 who are not routinely invited to mammogram appointments.

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In studies which took blood samples from 9,632 women without cancer, and 548 with breast cancer, rate of success was higher at later stages, the MailOnline reports.

However, even in pre-cancerous lesions that could develop into cancer, the accuracy of the test was 70 percent, meanwhile in detecting stage one breast cancers, the accuracy rose to 89 percent.

The test identified 96 percent of cancers where the women had stage two, and 100 percent of stage three and four breast cancers.

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The test has been described as a 'gamechanger' by breast cancer surgeon Professor Kefah Mokbel, who was involved in the research.

Professor Mokbel, who works at the London Breast Institute at the Princess Grace Hospital, said it 'could transform breast cancer screening'.

Meanwhile oncologist Dr Tim Crook, who works at The London Clinic private hospital, added: "We have a massive problem with late diagnosis of cancer in this country and it’s been difficult to think of ways to ameliorate that."

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with 55,900 new cases every year - that's more than 150 every day.

It's vital for women to regularly check their breasts for any changes, and report any changes found to their GP.

Regularly checking allows you to become 'breast aware' and spot any changes sooner.

Breast Cancer Now explain the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include: 

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
• A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
• A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
• Rash or crusting around the nipple
• Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
• Changes in size or shape of the breast

When checking for changes, they advise:

1. Touch your breasts: can you feel anything new or unusual?
2. Look for changes: does anything look different to you?
3. Check any new or unusual changes with a GP

For more help and advice, visit Breast Cancer Now here.

Topics: Health

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine