Blood Test Results Can Enhance Assessment of Cancer Risk

Summary: Have you ever had a stomach ache or felt super bloated and wondered if it was something serious? A new study shows that everyday blood tests can help doctors figure out if these common symptoms might actually be signs of cancer.

Researchers looked at hundreds of thousands of patients over age 30 who went to the doctor for stomach pain or bloating. They found that looking at 19 common blood test results helped spot who was at a higher risk for hidden cancer. For example, in women in their 50s, a certain abnormal blood test (high ferritin) jumped their cancer risk from 1.6% to 10%. This means doctors can use simple blood tests they already have to decide who needs to be sent to a cancer specialist right away.

Source: Clinical Advisor URL: clinicaladvisor.com/general-medicine/blood-test-results-can-enhance-assessment-of-cancer-risk/ (opens in new tab)