2023-11-18 10:55:00
Key Points:
“Cancer screening test kit” early One-time blood tests, or MCED, are gaining popularity in the United States. The test screens for more than 50 types of cancer and works by looking for signs of cancer cells in DNA. Point out precautions when using such products. Because there is no clear evidence that this test kit is really reliable. Latest..National Cancer Institute of the United States It will begin studying the test kit in 2024.
Many years ago There is a report regarding one research project that can develop “Cancer screening kit” Obtained from just one blood test (MCED) can create a lot of buzz in the medical community. Because if the risk of cancer is detected early It will lead to quick treatment. Can help reduce the death rate from cancer.
After that, some companies began to produce Such “screening kits” are now available for sale. One of them is the latest Galleri brand..at the end of October 2023, there is information from Alex Janin who has reported through The Wall Street Journal It states that cancer screening kits from Galleri are currently very popular in the United States. Despite the high price of nearly 1,000 dollars (approximately 35,000 baht: calculated from the exchange rate as of 18 Nov. 2023)
Picture from: Gallery
Cancer screening test kits are expensive. But it’s popular among rich people.
Since Galleri’s launch in June 2021 until 2023, more than 130,000 copies have been sold, the brand claims. This test kit can screen for more than 50 types of cancer. Its working principle is It looks for signs of cancer cells in the DNA that is secreted from the tumor into the bloodstream. This test can only be ordered by a doctor.
Because the cancer screening test kit is expensive, It is therefore viewed as “Products aimed at affluent consumers” (who are crazy regarding health care) have been offered by some health care doctors in the United States. “Galleri Cancer Testing Kit” is provided as an additional service to patients. Along with a series of other experimental health screenings, such as full-body MRI examinations and biological age testing services, etc.
For example, the case of Valerie Caro, a real estate agent in Arizona, USA, asked her doctor regarding such a screening test. And tried testing in 2022. It turned out that she received a “positive result”, finding signs of cancer in her gallbladder or pancreas. After several follow-up steps This includes an MRI scan and surgery to remove the gallbladder. She learned that there was a 4.3cm stage 2 cancerous tumor in her gallbladder. She credits the screening test with saving her life.
Doctors warn to be careful of “false positive results” from cancer screening kits. And it may not be necessary.
Although there are sample cases where this test kit has been used, it has shown good results. But at the same time there are quite a few other doctors. Come out and express your opinion regarding caution in using such products. They said There is no research that provides evidence to show that Current cancer screening tests will prevent cancer deaths. and warn regarding the risk of receiving “false positives” or “false negatives.”
One study recently published in the medical journal The Lancet reported that more than half of those tested for cancer received a positive result. (There were signs of cancer risk.) But when they went for a repeat screening at the hospital, it was found that they did not have cancer.
Therefore, receiving “false positives” may cause users to worry. and leads to unnecessary and expensive follow-up procedures, whereas if “false negatives” are found, which is more likely to occur This may cause patients to overlook annual health screenings recommended by general practitioners.
Dr. Laurie Minasian, Deputy Director of the Cancer Prevention Division The National Cancer Institute of the United States said that using a cancer screening test called Multi-cancer early detection : MCED There is not enough scientific evidence to indicate that it is reliable. Moreover, if a person is healthy There is a low risk of cancer. Why must you pay expensive money? Buy this test kit Is it really necessary?
A representative of Galleri came out to clarify that The MCED cancer screening test has more benefits than concerns. The company believes these tests will help detect cancer risks earlier. and improve public health
However, if the tester receives a “positive” test result, the company will always inform them that it is “It’s not a diagnosis,” it just found signs indicating cancer. The tester should go for a health check with the doctor once more. This is because the aim of the test kit is to provide an alternative. It is not to be used as a replacement for cancer screening in hospital standards.
The MCED cancer screening kit has not been approved by the US FDA.
However, Galleri is one of the MCED tests that has not been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), nor has it been approved by the US Preventive Services Task Force.
Officials from the American Academy of Family Physicians say they do not recommend screening for cancer through these tests. Because there is still no empirical evidence. Moreover, if anyone wants to use this screening kit. You must pay for the service yourself. Because it is not covered by most government hospital insurance plans.
Dr. Latasha Celiby Perkins, a family medicine physician at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., said she does not offer such cancer screening tests to her patients. This is due to concerns regarding the lack of FDA approval and because it is too expensive for the average patient. They are also unsure of the effectiveness of those test kits.
Recently, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) plans to study such cancer screening tests in 2024 to assess their feasibility. and to evaluate whether the MCED test is administered to healthy patients. Can it really reduce death from cancer? Health people will have to keep following up on this matter.
1700316815
#cancer #screening #kit #Expensive #cases #false #positive #results
