The findings come from an international study published in the journal Cell. Researchers analysed around 48,000 blood samples and discovered a unique signature involving 14 proteins linked to future lung cancer risk, reports NDTV.
Rather than detecting an existing tumour, the protein pattern appears to reflect biological changes associated with inflammation and the earliest stages of cancer development.
According to the researchers, these signals can be present years before current screening methods would typically identify the disease.
Why it matters
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely because many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
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Scientists believe a blood-based test could help identify people at higher risk much earlier, allowing doctors to monitor them more closely and potentially improve outcomes through earlier intervention.
The study also adds to growing evidence that chronic inflammation may play a significant role in the development of lung cancer.
More research needed
Despite the promising results, experts caution that the test is still in the research phase and is not yet available for routine clinical use.
Several questions remain unanswered:
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- How accurate the test is across different populations
- How it could fit into existing screening programmes
- Whether earlier intervention would improve long-term survival
Researchers say the discovery marks an important step toward more personalised cancer prevention and earlier detection strategies.
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