Blood cells can predict cancer threat seven years before disease spreads

15 May 2024 , 17:37

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Scientists described the trial as a crucial first step in preventative therapies (Image: Getty Images)

Clues found in blood may warn of cancer seven years before diagnosis — and stop the disease before it starts.

Scientists have identified 618 proteins linked to 19 types of cancer including bowel, prostate and breast.

And 107 of them were in people whose blood was collected at least seven years pre-diagnosis. Some of these proteins may highlight cancer risk and help detect it sooner. It is hoped this will lead to earlier treatment or prevention.

Hundreds of proteins could give clues about the threat of cancer (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

Oxford Population Health’s two studies were funded by Cancer Research UK. OPH’s Prof Ruth Travis said the research also provides lots of clues to the causes of many cancers.

She added: “We now have technology that can look at thousands of proteins across thousands of cases.” Cancer Research UK’s Dr Iain Foulkes said: “Discoveries from this research are the crucial first step towards offering preventative therapies which is the ultimate route for giving people longer, better lives.”

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The research is in Nature Communications journal.

Lucy Thornton