A New Blood Test Could Spot Cancer Years Earlier

What it means for early detection and better outcomes

Imagine being able to detect cancer years before it ever causes a single symptom. That future may be closer than we think.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a promising new blood test that may be able to spot early signs of cancer up to three years before a diagnosis is typically made. This kind of early detection could make all the difference, especially for those facing high-risk cancers like those of the head and neck.

What Did the Study Find?

Scientists were able to detect tiny traces of DNA in the bloodstream that came from cancer cells – before tumors were even large enough to cause symptoms or be found through imaging or biopsies. This kind of DNA, called circulating tumor DNA, can act like a warning light on a dashboard: it tells you something is happening under the surface, even if you can’t see or feel it yet.

The research team studied blood samples from people who were later diagnosed with cancer. In some cases, they were able to find signs of cancer in blood tests that had been drawn more than three years before a formal diagnosis was made.

This breakthrough builds on a type of blood test called multi-cancer early detection (MCED), which uses a single blood sample to screen for multiple types of cancer. These tests look for abnormal genetic signals or protein patterns that are often present when cancer is developing.

Why This Matters for Our Community

For people at higher risk of cancers – including head, neck, and throat cancers – early detection can change the story. Many cancers are easier to treat when caught early. Treatments may be less invasive, survival rates are higher, and in some cases, full recovery becomes more likely.

As many of our members at Lary’s Speakeasy know, a late diagnosis often means more aggressive treatment such as surgery, radiation, or voice loss from laryngectomy. If doctors had more time to catch cancer in its early stages, it could help prevent the cancer from progressing or returning after treatment.

Looking Ahead

While these findings are exciting, this test isn’t available in your doctor’s office just yet. Researchers still need to validate their results in larger, long-term studies. But the success so far is a strong sign that a routine cancer blood test may not be far off.

In the future, it’s possible that annual or biannual blood screening could become part of standard healthcare, especially for those with a family history of cancer or other risk factors.

Stay Informed and Be Proactive

At Lary’s Speakeasy, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. While science works toward more reliable screening tools, here’s what you can do today:

• Keep up with regular checkups and talk to your doctor about any changes in your health.
  
• Ask about new screening options, especially if you have a personal or family history of cancer.
  
• Advocate for research and funding into early detection for all types of cancer.
  

This kind of research offers real hope, hope that one day, we’ll catch cancer not when it’s advanced, but when it’s just beginning. When it’s most treatable, and often curable.

Help support Lary’s Speakeasy and it’s mission to provide information and supplies to those who have lost their voice to cancer.

A laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the voice box. After the surgery, patients are unable to talk. While many regain the ability to “voice,” the condition is permanent. Lary’s Speakeasy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides supplies to the laryngectomee community 100% free of charge. We also provide support, education and advocacy for the patients and Speech Pathologists. We are an all volunteer organization and all funds go directly in support of our mission. Our Facebook group is the largest group for laryngectomees in the world.