Can CBC Test Detect Cancer? Unveiling the Potential of Blood Tests
By PharmEasy Medical Board +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By PharmEasy Medical Board +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Cancer comes in all shapes and sizes. It includes various types, stages, and origins. Detecting cancer early and finding out what type of cancer it is key for good management plan with a good outcome. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is often done by doctors to check up on their patients’ overall health.
In this article, we’ll talk about the CBC test. We’ll explain how it aids in detecting and managing cancer. We’ll also delve into other blood tests used for cancer detection. Plus, we’ll look at how these tests fit into the overall cancer detection process. To round it up, we’ll discuss some new trends in blood tests for cancer and answer some frequently asked questions regarding the role of the CBC test in cancer diagnosis.
Did you know?
A CBC test sheds light on the amount and health of different blood cell types in our bodies. It makes for a useful tool in assessing overall health status. This helps doctors diagnose health issues such as anaemia, infections, and inflammation.
A CBC test is a simple blood test. It tells us how many red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets we have. These blood components have different jobs, like carrying oxygen, fighting infections, and clotting blood.
There are several reasons a doctor might order a CBC test.
A CBC test gives an overview of a person’s overall health. It checks for any abnormal blood cell levels.
CBC tests can pick up many health conditions. These include anaemia, infections, and inflammation. They also alert doctors to any warning signs of other health problems needing further tests.
A CBC test does not directly detect specific cancers. However, it can offer valuable insight into various health issues, including some types of cancer. Below we have described the limits of CBC tests in cancer detection and their role in the cancer diagnostic process.
A CBC test is not designed to directly detect most kinds of cancer. For example, it cannot detect cancers like breast, lung, or colon cancer. Its value comes in possibly detecting signs of blood-related cancers, like leukaemia and lymphoma.
Certain types of cancer can influence the results of a CBC test in the following way.
Cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymph system, like leukaemia, might change blood cell counts. Such cancers could cause high WBC counts or low RBC and platelet counts. These values may suggest the need for more tests.
While a CBC test cannot directly find breast or stomach cancers, it may show signs related to them, like anaemia. In such cases, doctors would run more tests to confirm or rule out cancer.
While a CBC test itself does not directly detect cancer, it plays a big role in health monitoring and the diagnostic process.
A CBC test can flag the need for more tests. For example, unusual changes in blood cell counts may point to cancer. In such cases, doctors may order imaging or biopsy tests.
For patients undergoing cancer therapy, a CBC test is vital. It tracks the success of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The results allow doctors to adjust management plans and lower the risk of side effects.
To my knowledge, other than CBC test, a unique procedure known as electrophoresis is used in blood protein testing to identify specific proteins in your blood. Your immune system releases these proteins, known as immunoglobulins, in reaction to illnesses like myeloma.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
While a CBC test can’t detect all types of cancer, it’s not the only tool we have. There are other blood tests that offer valuable insights in the fight against cancer.
These tests check blood for certain proteins or substances. Those could indicate the presence of specific cancers. While not definitive, they help monitor treatment outcomes and potential recurrence.
Genetic testing checks for inherited cancer risks. This allows people to take measures to reduce risk or have regular screenings. Additionally, genetic testing may help design tailored management plans for those already diagnosed with cancer.
These tests find cancer cells in the bloodstream. These cells may have been shed by growing and spreading tumors. The tests assess the risk of spread, gauge the success of therapy, and catch recurring cancer.
These days doctors might opt for cytogenetic analysis to detect cancer. Chromosome alterations are sought after in tissue, blood, bone marrow, or amniotic fluid samples using cytogenetic analysis. Chromosome alterations might involve additional, altered, damaged, or missing chromosomes. Chromosome abnormalities may indicate a hereditary disorder or some cancers.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Blood tests form part of a multi-faceted approach to cancer screening and diagnosis. They provide valuable data that complements imaging tests and biopsies.
Tests like tumor marker tests or circulating tumor cell tests can detect potential cancer signs before any symptoms show up. Regular screenings are key for early detection and successful management.
Blood tests support imaging tests such as mammograms, CT scans, and MRIs. They provide additional data on abnormal blood cell levels, tumor markers, or circulating tumor cells. This duo approach improves the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and staging.
Blood tests help physicians plan make tailored decisions based on genetic markers or cancer cells found in the blood. They also track how patients respond to therapy and catch any potential recurring cancer after therapy ends.
Another method to detect cancer using a blood test is immunophenotyping. Using antibodies, immunophenotyping recognises cells according to the kinds of antigens or surface markers present in the cells. Most frequently, samples of bone marrow or blood are used. However, other tissues or body fluids may be used. Leukaemias, lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders are among the blood disorders that immunophenotyping aids in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Science is advancing every day. This is true for the world of blood tests in cancer detection and therapy as well.
Liquid biopsy tests analyze cancer DNA present in the blood. This offers insights into tumor genetics and potential resistance to therapy. As this field evolves, we could see earlier and more targeted cancer detection in the future.
There’s ongoing research aimed at improving the accuracy of blood tests. The goal is to be able to detect specific types of cancer, even in their earliest stages. This could lead to better screening methods, more accurate diagnoses, and improved management outcomes.
While a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test cannot specifically detect most sorts of cancer, it’s instrumental in monitoring overall health and making educated decisions on cancer therapy. Combine it with other blood tests such as tumor markers, genetic tests, and circulating tumor cell tests and healthcare providers may put together more effective strategies to manage cancer.
We expect to see more advances in this area. As we do, we should see a boost in our ability to diagnose and care for cancer. This would lighten the load for both patients and healthcare systems.
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No, a CBC test on its own cannot definitively diagnose cancer. It can monitor overall health and guide decisions about cancer therapy. For a confirmed cancer diagnosis, doctors would need to run more tests, such as imaging and biopsies.
A CBC test may offer clues about certain blood-related cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma by detecting abnormal blood cell levels. However, additional tests would be required to officially diagnose cancer.
Yes, there are. Tests like tumor marker tests, genetic tests, and circulating tumor cell tests can offer more specifics for diagnosing and managing different types of cancer.
How often you should get screened for cancer depends on your individual risk factors, your family history, and the type of cancer. Your healthcare provider will suggest the best screening routine for you.
A CBC test helps keep track of a patient’s overall health during cancer therapy. It guides management decisions and checks if the therapies are working. Regularly having a CBC test could also help detect any recurring cancer after therapy has ended.
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