All it takes is a few drops of blood to determine if a person has genetic markers for colon cancer. In trials now, the test could eventually be part of a routine exam.
"Once that happens I think that would be an absolute breakthrough, because now we can simply take a drop of blood and determine your risk for developing colon cancer," said Ajay Goel, PhD, director of Gastrointestinal Cancer Research.
Genetic markers have already helped Paul Kodros. He delayed his colonoscopy, even though his mother died from colon cancer.
"Waited till I was 42, got my first colonoscopy, came out with 14 polyps, didn't know what that meant till the doctor said, 'Yeah, if you waited till you were 50, you might not be around,'" Kodros said.
Genetic markers are so precise they see potential cancer before it develops, which means fewer invasive procedures, and less toxic chemo.
"All of these lines they show the same height, which means he's clean, none of the markers are positive and the chance of him developing colon cancer is quite low," Goel said.
Eventually doctors say other cancers will be detected the same way, through a routine blood test during an exam.
"From a single drop of blood or from the same tube of blood, we are measuring glucose or cholesterol and determine your risk for cancer," Goel said.
For Paul Kodros that means reassurance that he probably will not develop colon cancer.
"Early detection, better outcomes, happier longer lives," Kodros said.
The CDC recommends colorectal screening every ten years beginning at age 50, but age 40 to 45 for people with a family history that places them at higher risk.
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