All articles tagged with #early detection
Dermatologists say the number-one sign of all common skin cancers—basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma—is a change in an existing spot or the appearance of new skin lesions; prompt evaluation is crucial, as early detection greatly improves outcomes, with melanoma survival over 99% when diagnosed before it spreads beyond the skin.
Dermatologists say the number-one sign of skin cancer—across all types—is a change in a spot on the skin, such as growth, bleeding, itching, tenderness, or a new lesion. Early detection is crucial: treating basal and squamous cell cancers is highly effective when found early, and melanoma has a survival rate over 99% when confined to the skin, highlighting the importance of monitoring skin changes and seeking evaluation promptly.
Mass General Brigham researchers are applying AI to quickly sift through routine electronic medical records to spot red flags for cognitive impairment, achieving about 93% accuracy in identifying early Alzheimer’s. With roughly 90% of mild cognitive impairment cases going undiagnosed in the U.S., the work aims to detect signs sooner to enable earlier treatment with newer drugs that slow progression, according to Dr. Lidia Moura and study collaborators.
A study using the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study found that higher levels of the blood protein phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) correlate with a greater risk of developing dementia years later, potentially predicting risk up to 25 years before symptoms in 2,766 women aged 65–79. Those with higher p-tau217 had more than a threefold increased risk, with the highest levels linked to about sevenfold risk. The findings suggest a blood-based biomarker could enable earlier brain-health monitoring and prevention, but it’s not yet recommended for routine screening and requires further validation across diverse populations.
An Australian oncologist explains there is no universal 'everything' cancer test. The Grail Galleri blood test aims to detect cancer signals in the blood but failed to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses in a large NHS trial, illustrating the gap between finding more cancers and saving lives. While early detection remains a key goal, simply detecting cancers earlier doesn’t guarantee better outcomes, so practical public health guidance focuses on prevention and careful interpretation of test results.
Researchers developed a nasal swab test that analyzes living smell-detecting nerve cells to detect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes before cognitive symptoms appear. In a small study of 22 participants, patterns distinguished those with early Alzheimer’s from healthy individuals, suggesting the swab measures neural and immune activity earlier than blood tests and could help diagnose and monitor treatment in larger future trials.
Two FDA-approved blood biomarker tests used to diagnose Alzheimer’s in symptomatic patients may also predict who will develop dementia years or even decades earlier, with some studies suggesting up to 20 years lead time, as research advances alongside preventive therapies and trials expected to yield results in 2027.
Spring 2025 roundtable advocates moving Alzheimer’s care from reaction to prevention by enabling earlier detection through biomarkers, blood tests, imaging, and digital cognitive tools, while prioritizing lifestyle interventions (exercise, nutrition, social/cognitive engagement) to reduce risk; supported by U.S. POINTER and other trials, with calls for science-based, equitable screening guidelines as new therapies emerge.
Duke researchers are testing whether a nasal swab taken from the back of the nose, using an endoscope and a small brush, can reveal early brain changes linked to Alzheimer's—potentially offering a less invasive and cheaper alternative to lumbar punctures or amyloid PET scans. While promising, the approach is in early stages, but if validated it could speed diagnosis and hasten the use of new disease-modifying therapies, easing the burden on patients and families.
A doctor warns that cancer can start with subtle, persistent symptoms like fatigue, digestive changes, bloating, and unexplained pains that are easy to dismiss. If these persist for more than a couple of weeks, seek medical evaluation, as colorectal and breast cancers are rising in younger people. Two urgent red flags are rectal bleeding and a breast lump; catching cancer early considerably improves treatment outcomes.
Susie Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, announced she has breast cancer detected early and will remain in her role while undergoing several weeks of treatment in the Washington area, with a strong prognosis.
Thyroid cancer is more common in women (often in their 40s–50s). The number-one sign is a new neck mass, typically painless; while most neck lumps are benign, about 5% are cancerous. Early detection improves outcomes, so see a doctor if you notice a lump.
A UC San Diego–led study analyzed archived blood samples from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study and found that higher levels of the brain protein p-tau217 in cognitively healthy women predicted dementia or mild cognitive impairment up to 25 years later. Published in JAMA Network Open, the finding suggests a simple blood test could identify future dementia risk long before symptoms, enabling earlier lifestyle interventions and more targeted trial recruitment. The study involved only women, with ongoing work to understand modifiable risk factors and whether results apply to men.
Colleen Ferguson, a 60-year-old science teacher in Kent, England, was surprised when her two-year-old German Shepherd, Inca, kept sniffing her breath. After medical tests, doctors discovered a golf-ball-sized tumor in Ferguson’s lung caught at stage 1, which was surgically removed. The surgeon credited the dog with saving her life. The piece also highlights MIT’s development of an AI-assisted electronic nose (e-nose) to detect cancer, illustrating the growing potential of machine olfaction in early cancer diagnosis.
Blood tests that search for multiple cancers by detecting circulating tumor DNA promise early detection, but a large UK trial showed many cancers were missed and negative results can give false reassurance; plus costs and false positives could strain health services. Traditional screening remains the proven approach for reducing deaths, though these tests may have a role in high‑risk groups or post‑treatment monitoring. They are not a magic bullet, and symptoms should still prompt medical advice; participate in trials or seek clear interpretation if such tests are offered privately.