Laboratory Tests that Detect Cancer

Since prevention is one of the most important cancer-fighting tools, it is important that cancer be detected as early as possible before it spreads. For warning signs, go to our Cancer Symptoms page.

There are numerous cancer detection and prevention tests that can be used to detect cancer. We are listing the tests that are considered alternative or less toxic than standard conventional tests. Some of these tests are not used by conventional physicians, but you can always ask them to look into the test. It is important to understand that one should not rely on any one test - some tests can result in false positives or negatives. One must take all clinical factors into consideration to back up a diagnosis. 

AMAS - Anti-malignin antibody screen test is designed to pick up cancers well in advance of other signs and symptoms, months before conventional medical tests can detect it. However, for advanced cancer, if the antimalignin antibody is wiped out, the test won't work. For this, other types of testing is recommended. We have also heard of a few breast cancer patients have received a false negative on this test. Again, it is important not to rely on any one test. Oncolab will send a free test kit for you to take to your doctor. The test runs $125 in addition to your doctor's office charges for drawing blood. Call 1-800-9CATest for a test kit and information. 

Biological Terraine Assessment (BTA) is a computerized device that measures your blood, saliva and urine for: the amount of electrons present, pH balance, and minerals in these fluids.  It will show how healthy your cells are. More specifically, it will show if the cellular environment is too acidic, if there are too few electrons to combat free radicals and/or to produce energy, or if there are too few minerals to buffer the acids. For more information on this test, call (520) 474-4181.

Cancer Marker Tests: These are immunological methods - cancer markers that are produced as cancer grows and are detectable even before it reaches a size big enough for detection by other methods. This early detection system is vital for early medical intervention that significantly improves the chances of recovery.  http://www.pathlab2u.com/s-cancer.shtml discusses these markers, which include:

• Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels are often elevated in liver cancers (hepatocellular) and testicular cancers (non-seminomatous). Raised levels are also present during pregnancy or some gastrointestinal cancers.
  

• CA 15.3 values are often elevated in patients with breast cancers. When there is a history of cancer among family members, patients may be advised to also do a breast mammogram. Besides breast cancer, other non-malignant conditions (eg. cirrhosis, benign diseases of ovaries & breast) have also been known to cause elevated CA 15.3 levels.
  
  

• CA 19.9 - for gastric/pancreatic or stomach cancer - It is a diagnostic tool for those with stomach trouble such as symptoms of gastritis, abdominal pains, or gas. Its level is best evaluated along with CEA marker test. 
  

• CA125 has become a widely used tumor marker which is measured most often in women with cancers of the reproductive system including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Other cancers that may cause abnormal CA125 levels include cancer of the pancreas, lungs, breast and colon. However, CA125/CA125-II can be elevated during menstruation, pregnancy or in individuals with ovarian cysts, pericarditis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver or peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen, and even in 1-2% of healthy individuals. Once a cancer is diagnosed, CA125/CA125-II levels may prove to be an effective indicator of the effectiveness of cancer treatment. A declining CA125/CA125-II value may indicate a good response to treatment and a favorable prognosis. Persistently rising CA125/CA125-II levels may be associated with a growing tumor, presence of tumor on the peritoneum that lines the abdomen or a recurrence of a previously treated tumor. Additional evaluation is necessary to make such determinations. CA 125-II, an improved version of the original CA 125 assay, is now commercially available. Ask your doctor or contact Life Extension Foundation at http://www.lef.org/bloodtest/bloodtest2.html or 800-208-3444.
  

• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cancer marker to screen for colorectal cancer - it is associated with digestive tract cancers (eg of the colon) as well as other malignant and non-malignant disorders. It is recommended for those with frequent constipation, diarrhea, or bleeding piles for an initial diagnostic tool. It can also help detect Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).
  

• EVP - Cancer marker to screen for nasophryngeal cancer. Epstein Bar virus (EBV) has been shown to have a direct relationship with NPC where it can be detected in NPC tumors and patients with NPC tend to have higher titres of EBV specific antibodies than the general population.
  

CBC Blood test lists the amounts detected of about 44 substances normally found in the blood and compares the blood status with known indicators of diseases. For more information on this test, call (702) 832-8485 or contact Life Extension Foundation at http://www.lef.org/bloodtest/bloodtest2.html or 800-208-3444.

Darkfield Microscopy allows doctors to view blood cells to see how healthy the cells are. Additional lab tests can then be performed to provide a more comprehensive clinical picture of an individual's condition. In Southern California, contact James Privitera, MD at (818) 966-1618 for more information on this. There are a number of naturopaths and alternative physicians that use this approach. 

Endoscopic ultrasound is another test being used to detect tumors and help in  diagnosing GI cancers. Unlike a traditional endoscope, which looks inside the GI tract, the endoscopic ultrasound looks through the tissue into surrounding organs. Many times, if something is found, a biopsy is done at the same time as an endoscopic ultrasound to  determine if it is cancer or just an infection. This technique is also used to help determine the stage of pancreatic cancer without doing surgery. For more information, call: KU Medical Center at (913) 588-1227. As reported by Ivanhoe - www.ivanhoe.com.

Whole Body CT Scans: There are many companies starting to do whole body scans to detect cancers early. These are being touted as "safe". However, the FDA has issued a warning that high-tech computerized body imaging for health screening could be exposing the public to risky levels of radiation. It would be better to consider one of the above tests. However, CT scans can be used to replace standard X-rays. Life Extension Foundation in their November magazine had a good issue on these scans. http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2001/nov2001_awsi.html and http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2001/nov2001_report_scans_01.html

Additional tests to detect specific cancers:

Tests for Bladder Cancer:

Over the past few years, a number of new tests have been devised to aid the diagnosis of bladder cancer. These tests include the bladder-tumor-associated antigen test (BTA^TM), the BTA stat test, the BTA TRAK^® test, the fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products test (FDP^TM), and the NMP22^TM assay. All of these tests can be performed on urine samples. The BTA^® test was designed to detect proteins that are released by reproduction of bladder tumor cells, and its interpretation does not require a technician or specialist. The BTA^® test significantly identifies superficial (surface) bladder tumors by changing color. The top of the BTA^® test strip turns yellow when positive for bladder cancer, and it turns green when negative. The BTA stat test is an immunologic assay that can be used to identify recurrent bladder cancer. The FDP^® test detects the breakdown products of blood-clotting proteins (fibrin, fibrinogen), which are increased in the urine in the presence of bladder cancer. The NMP22^TM assay measures specific proteins from the nuclear matrix (cell center). It can detect transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with a sensitivity of roughly 67%, meaning that 67% of existing TCCs are detected. But, perhaps more importantly, the NMP22^TM assay it is able to predict the recurrence of bladder cancer For more information go to http://www.urologychannel.com/bladdercancer/diagnosis.shtml.

New protein test could be twice as accurate in detecting bladder cancer according to a report in the Scotsman 07/17/2002 and Tests for Breast Cancer:

• Acueity ductoscopy is a patented optical system and ductoscope, about the size of a pencil tip, enable physicians to look through the nipple directly into the milk ducts -- areas previously inaccessible to medical intervention -- where 85% of breast cancer develops.  Their  system of microendoscopes, coupled with patented OptiCue^TM optical technology results in large, clear and sharp video images of the mammary duct system, with unprecedented depth of field perception and detects lesions as small as 0.2 mm in diameter (50 times more sensitive than a standard mammogram). Go to http://www.acueity.com/ for more information.
  
  

• Amas test (see above):  This test can be the first choice to check for breast cancer. The AMAS test detects malignant growth only (not benign tumors) and is more sensitive than mammograms. If the AMAS is positive, further tests are warranted as the AMAS doesn't indicate Where the cancer is located, only that there is cancer within the body.   In addition, the AMAS test can be used to follow breast cancer patients who are in remission, since the AMAS returns to normal within 3 months after the breast tumor (and metastases, if present) are removed or eradicated.

• Cancer Marker Tests - CA 15.3 and CA125 (above).

• DR-70 is a simple blood test - (See above).

• Ductal lavage is a new test similar to the Pap smear, and was developed by Dr. Susan Love. It is a simple blood test and an infrared imaging system that samples the lining of ducts of the breast to see what the cells are doing and to detect precancerous abnormalities or cancer cells. The procedure has been dubbed "Pap smear for the breast" because, like the test for cervical cancer, it is a non-surgical approach to identifying abnormal cells, potentially making it possible to find them when they are just thinking about becoming cancer.

• Mammography/Thermography - Mammograms can detect many breast cancers, but there is concern over false results and the hazards of radiation exposure that result from the tests.  There are two new forms of mammography that are making news: Computed Tomography Laser Mammography and Full Field Digital Mammography. 
  
  The CTLM ^- Computed Tomography Laser Mammography system uses state-of-the-art laser technology, a special array of detectors and proprietary computed algorithms. The CTLM^® system does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation or require breast compression. This approach is awaiting FDA approval.
  
  Digital mammography still uses low energy x-rays that pass through the breast exactly like conventional mammograms but are recorded by means of an electronic digital detector instead of the film. This electronic image can be displayed on a video monitor like a TV or printed onto film. The radiologist can manipulate the digital mammogram electronically to magnify an area, change contrast, or alter the brightness.
  

• Another test being developed is a blood test to detect a protein marker for breast cancer. The test apparently can pick up cancerous tumors and pre-cancerous conditions. It is awaiting FDA approval.

• Thermography can determine precancerous changes at an earlier, and theoretically more treatable, stage—months or even years before those changes would be felt as a lump or be visible on a mammogram, and all without radiation. The  While mammography relies primarily on finding the physical tumor, thermography uses thermal imaging which detects new blood vessels and chemical changes associated with a tumor’s genesis and growth. For more information, go to the section on Thermography above. The test, however, may not be approved by your insurance as it is still considered controversial. For for a list of places that offer go to our breast thermography page. 

• T/Tn Antigen Test (see below)
  

• Ultrasound or sonogram can  be used to determine whether a lump is a cyst (containing fluid) or a solid mass and to precisely locate the position of a known tumor. The test is safe and painless, and uses no radiation.
  
• Other Imaging Methods:
  
  A number of other imaging methods are now available for detecting breast cancer. At present, they are used mainly in research studies, and sometimes to get more information about a tumor found by another method. Each of these new methods generates a computerized image that the doctor can analyze for the presence of an abnormal breast lump. These include:
  
  
  Scintigraphy [sin-TOG-ra-fee]
  
  Also called scintimammography, this test uses a special camera to show where a tracer (a radioactive chemical) has adhered to a tumor. A scanner is then used to see if the breast lump has picked up more of the radioactive material than the rest of the breast tissue. Dr. Fleming in Omaha has been using this approach. There are also clinical trials for this approach. 
  
  MRI
  
  A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine uses a large magnet and radio waves to measure the electromagnetic signals your body naturally gives off. It makes precise images of the inside of the body, including tissue and fluids. MRI can also be used to see if a silicone breast implant has leaked or ruptured.
  
  PET scan
  
  Cancer cells grow faster than other cells, so they use up energy faster, too. To measure how fast glucose (the body's fuel) is being used, a tracer (radioactive glucose) is injected into the body and scanned with a positron emission tomography (PET) machine. The PET machine detects how fast the glucose is being used. If it is being used up faster in certain places, it may indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor.
  
• Mayo Clinic researchers are working on a new imaging test called magnetic resonance (MR) elastography. This test uses a combination of sound waves and MRI to evaluate the mechanical properties of tissues within the breast. "Conventional MRI is very sensitive for detecting breast cancer, but unfortunately there are too many false positives," Dr. Ehman says. "The goal of our research is to determine whether we can use this new MR elastography technique to improve the accuracy of MRI for breast cancer diagnosis, thereby reducing the need for biopsies."  In addition, mammography does not work as well for women with dense breasts, those who have had lumpectomies or premenopausal women,. The combination of MRI and MR elastography could be used as an additional screening tool.

   

• Additional Tests to see if cancer has spread:
  
  To find out if cancer has spread, additional tests may need to be performed to see if the cancer has spread to other organs or the bones. Some doctors will do x-rays, blood tests, CATs or MRIs, and bone scans.  If one does not want biopsies of the lymph nodes, some believe the Pet or CT scan is a good alternative. In addition, biopsies can be used to see if a lump is cancerous or if it has spread to the lymph nodes. A new form of biopsy is the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System.
  
• Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System is an image guided procedure (stereotactic or ultrasound) that helps physicians locate breast abnormalities and obtain tissue samples for diagnosis. Unlike other biopsy methods, the Mammotome is capable of sampling a variety of breast abnormalities with just one small incision and requires no sutures. However, it still uses x-rays to help guide the procedure. Go to  http://www.breastinfo.com/mbiopsy.htm for more information. (Note: Because there is always the possibility of the cancer spreading, we still recommend less invasive approaches above.)

Tests for Colon/Colorectal Cancer:

• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cancer marker. (See above under cancer markers.)
  
• DR-70 is a simple blood test - (See above).
  
• Hemoccult Test for colorectal cancer tests for blood in the stool. A positive finding warrants having further tests, like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to detect polyps and tumors. This test can be performed by almost any doctor's office. Note: A hemoccult test can yield a false positive if the person has recently consumed fresh fruits and vegetables, red meat, iron tablets or vitamin C tablets. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also cause false positives. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
  
• PreGen-26 - a new DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer is not a predictive test but a test to detect the presence of actual disease in people with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). People with HNPCC have an 80% lifetime risk of developing the disease. The test, a stool-sample test was developed by Exact Sciences Corp. and is being commercialized by Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp, Burlington, NC, USA). In active colorectal cancer, DNA from tumors is shed into the colon and carried out of the body in stool. Patients collect stool samples and send them to LabCorp, who will send the test results to the patient's doctor for use in determining future monitoring and treatment.
  

Tests for Lung Cancer:

Tests for Oral Cancer:

Tests for Ovarian and Cervical Cancer: 

Cancer Marker for Nasophryngeal Cancer:

• EVP - Cancer marker to screen for nasophryngeal cancer (See above under cancer markers.)

Cancer Marker for Pancreatic/Stomach Cancer:

• CA 19.9 - for gastric/pancreatic or stomach cancer - (See above under cancer markers.)
  
• DR-70 is a simple blood test - (See above).