Could a 10 Minute Blood Test Detect Cancer?

Today Australian scientists reported a 10 minute blood test that can detect a variety of cancers including breast, lung, ovarian and colon cancer.

Although this is encouraging, this “liquid biopsy” should still be considered investigational. Many questions remain – will it be able to find cancers before they can be seen on xrays? What do people do if it tests positive but no cancer can be found? What is the false positive rate? Will it be affordable and specific to certain cancers?

Although more research needs to be done, this test may be revolutionary and makes it easier to screen more people for cancer. Alternatively, it may be able to detect cancer at an early curable stage.