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NHS England announced in May that it was to launch a pioneering liquid biopsy blood test, offering new hope to lung and breast cancer patients.
This innovative test is a world firstand analyzes tumor DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream, allowing doctors to more quickly prescribe personalized treatments. It is expected that 15,000 patients will benefit from this facility every year.
By identifying specific genetic mutations, liquid biopsy eliminates the need for traditional tissue biopsy in many cases, reducing waiting times and enabling quicker access to targeted therapies.
The test will initially be used for lung cancer patients, but officials have confirmed it will also be used for people with breast cancer to detect a wider range of genetic variants to determine whether they are eligible for targeted treatment.
Following a pilot project which involved 10,000 people with non-small cell lung cancer (the most common type), the trial is being expanded, with the hope that it could be used for other types of cancer in the future.
It marks an exciting breakthrough in cancer research – but how familiar are you with the basics of lung cancer? We’ve enlisted the help of some experts to explain its main causes and shed light on common symptoms we should all be aware of.
What causes lung cancer?
“Lung cancer is a disease in which there is uncontrolled cell growth in the lungs, causing tumors,” explains Dr. Jenny. messengerConsultant in Respiratory and General Medicine at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital. “Sadly, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
“There are many possible causes, but the main cause is smoking. It may also have some genetic causes and is linked to pollution, obesity, asbestos exposure and certain work-based chemicals.”
Lung cancer symptoms
NHS
The main symptoms of lung cancer include:
- A cough that doesn’t go away even after three weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- recurring chest infections
- coughing up blood
- Pain or ache when breathing or coughing
- persistent shortness of breath
- persistent fatigue or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Lung cancer is most commonly diagnosed in the chest. CT scanAnd early diagnosis is important.
“It can be tempting to make a change because of advancing age or another health condition,” says Dr. Rachel Oritt, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. “But, if you notice something that isn’t normal for you or isn’t going away, it’s important to seek your doctor’s advice. In most cases it won’t be cancer, but if it is, catching it at an early stage can make a real difference.”
Here are nine symptoms of lung cancer that you should not ignore…
1. Feeling short of breath
“You may feel short of breath, or have other difficulty breathing, while doing activities you used to do without problems,” says Dr. Orit.
2. Chest infection
“The second sign is a chest infection that comes back again and again, doesn’t go away, or doesn’t get better with treatment,” says Dr. Orit.
3. Long lasting cough
“This could be a cough that has not gone away or that has not responded to treatment,” explains Dr. Orit. “It could also be a change or worsening of your cough that you’ve had for a while.”
4. Coughing up blood
“It could be blood in the phlegm, even if it’s a small amount,” says Dr. Oritt.
5. Feeling tired without any reason
“This could be fatigue that doesn’t go away even with rest, or feeling tired while doing activities you used to do without any problems,” explains Dr. Orit.
6. Lose weight without effort
“Another red flag is losing weight without changing your eating patterns or your activity levels,” says Dr. Orit.
7. Loss of appetite
“This may mean you’re not feeling as hungry as before, or not wanting to eat as much food as you usually do,” says Dr. Orit.
8. Vague pain
“One symptom that may be surprising to some people and easy to miss is shoulder pain that gets progressively worse,” says Dr. Messenger. “Persistent chest pain that gets progressively worse may also be a warning sign.”
9. Changing voice
“Another lesser-known symptom is a hoarse voice or a change in voice that doesn’t go away after four to six weeks,” says Dr. Messenger.
What are the treatment options?
“Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy,” says Dr. Messenger.
Can it be stopped?
Dr. Messenger highlights, “Yes, lung cancer can be prevented, especially in cases where the person smokes, by stopping smoking as soon as possible.” “People who are struggling to quit smoking should first ask their GP for help.”