Cancer has always been a major health concern for women, as in most cases, doctors say early detection could have yielded favourable treatment results.
According to oncologists, cancer screening blood tests for women are an efficient and safe way to detect the signs of this deadly disease, even before symptoms appear.
Doctors say these tests help identify cancerous cells or abnormal substances in the blood, providing valuable insight into a person’s health.
Cancer blood test screening for women
Blood tests for cancer screening are specially designed to diagnose signs of cancer before it spreads or leads to noticeable symptoms. Many of these can also be combined with imaging or physical exams to help improve the accuracy of diagnosis. A few of these important tests include:
Complete Blood Count
Also known as a CBC, this important test measures the number of blood cells and easily detects deadly cancers like leukaemia.
Tumour marker tests
Tumour markers like prostate cancer and CA-125 can help detect ovarian cancer, a serious condition, as doctors say early detection is crucial for better treatment outcomes.
Blood protein tests
Experts say these tests help detect abnormal proteins that are produced by cancer cells.
Circulating tumour cells test
This test helps detect cancer cells in the bloodstream, which are often used for monitoring.
Genomic testing
It helps identify mutations that are linked to cancer growth.
Can early signs of cancer be shown in blood tests?
Doctors say a few cancers can be detected early through blood tests. While routine blood work may not always reveal early-stage cancer, specialised cancer screening blood tests for women, like tests for specific tumour markers, provide early warning signs.
For example, markers like CA-125 for ovarian cancer or mammaglobin for breast cancer may be used as part of early detection strategies. Regular screenings help in identifying risks before symptoms appear.
Recommended regular cancer screening for women
A variety of screening tests are available for different types of cancer, especially for women, including:
Breast cancer screening
Doctors say regular mammograms after the age of 40 years are the gold standard for breast cancer screening. However, blood tests for breast cancer detection are also available. These tests look for specific markers in the blood, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which indicate a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer can be detected early with regular Pap smears and HPV tests after the age of 21. These tests look for changes in the cells of the cervix that may indicate the presence of cancer or precancerous lesions.
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer screening typically involves a colonoscopy or stool-based tests, such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test. However, blood tests like the Carcinoembryonic Antigen test monitor those with colorectal cancer and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Lung cancer screening
For women at high risk of lung cancer, especially smokers, blood tests to detect lung cancer, along with low-dose CT scans, are essential.
Skin cancer screening
Skin cancer is among the most common cancers in women, and early detection significantly improves outcomes. Regular self-examinations and dermatological check-ups help identify unusual changes such as new moles, irregular growths, or changes in existing spots.