The importance of early cancer detection is one of the most effective ways to improve survival rates amongst cancer patients and also to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals and families – but despite this, many cases are still going unidentified until they are more advanced, and symptoms begin to become more pronounced.
In the UK, getting tested for various forms of cancer on the NHS often comes with red tape, and the need to pass through several GP appointments, referrals and specialist consultations to get a definitive answer. Often, this can mean that valuable time is lost – which is why a growing number of individuals are opting to take matters into their own hands and get tested privately.
Pioneering organisation called Test4Cancer is at the forefront of this movement, offering a range of advanced screening tests that are designed to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages and making them accessible to anyone who feels they need them.
The importance of early detection
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. But when detected early, the survival rate is dramatically higher and treatment is more likely to be successful, giving patients an improved outlook on their condition. As well as saving lives, the early identification of cancer cases also reduces the need for aggressive treatments, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life in both a physical and emotional sense.
Despite this, many cancers are still diagnosed at advanced stages due to a lack of sign-posting symptoms in the early stages or the lack of availability of routine screening for certain types of cancer.
By offering accurate and non-invasive tests at an affordable price, Test4Cancer’s aim is to ensure that anyone looking to get tested can do so, regardless of age, gender, or family history, and to detect cancer long before symptoms appear to give them the best possible chance should a diagnosis be confirmed.
Advanced technology for accurate testing
Accuracy is, of course, the key word here, and by leveraging two types of advanced technology Test4Cancer can offer results that get it right, first time. Not only that, but it also makes it possible for those who undergo testing to get ahead of any potential diagnosis by identifying risk before it arises.
HrC Genomics is the ultimate test for blood screening for cancer and represents a major breakthrough in cancer diagnostics made by a team of scientists at Epigeneres Biotech, India.
Based on the hypothesis that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), residing in multiple tissues, undergo epigenetic changes and get transformed into Cancer Stem Cells, it can test for these in peripheral blood as they are mobilised into circulation – which occurs very early on in cancer development and prior to the appearance of tumour development and symptoms.
The technology means that Test4Cancer is able to accurately detect the risk of cancer presence at Stage 1 or before and can also indicate the risk of cancer being present for multiple cancer types including solid tumours, blood cancers and soft tissue sarcomas.
Currently, it is the only test available that can give a positive reading for the absence of cancer and thus definitively confirm that a person is cancer free. Test4Cancer utilises it as part of an annual screening test to monitor the ongoing risk of cancer, with the aim of catching any cancer that may arise at the earliest possible stage.
Samples are processed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology by UKAS ISO15189 Accredited laboratory, with a written report detailing the HrC Score for the blood sample issued to patients within six to eight weeks of testing. All that’s required for the test is a small, 12ml sample of blood that is taken by a Professional Phlebotomist at one of Test4Cancer’s approved locations.
Test4Cancer also leverages All Organ Biopsy (AOB) technology in several of its detection blood tests. Again, requiring just a 12ml blood sample, it provides clients with information about the presence of cancer in every organ of the body – eliminating the need for invasive procedures that would require tissue from each of the organs to provide the same insights. AOB testing offers a complete and thorough health check of all major organs in relation to cancer, including the identification of genetic mutations, altered expressions and dysregulated pathways, as well as details of any tumours present along with their locations, the stage of the disease and their type and sub-types. The test can identify both primary and secondary organs affected, and even impact the next organ that will be impacted (if there is one) – as well as facilitating effective monitoring of the effects of cancer treatments and conclusively confirm remission in patients for whom it has been a success.
Patients are provided with a comprehensive report of the findings that includes recommendations for cancer treatment that are dependent upon an individual’s DNA profile, equipping them with all they need to move ahead.
Accessible pricing for definitive results
The cost of a HrC test to detect the absence or the risk of cancer presence is just £1,770 with Test4Cancer. Where a positive result is obtained, you can then request a more in-depth analysis of the data, which will provide detailed information on the tumour(s) in the body, such as the type and sub-type, location, stage of the disease, genetic mutations, altered expressions, dysregulated pathways, primary and secondary organ affected and more – which is all the information needed to move ahead with treatment – all for just an additional £1,350.
It’s a far cry from many other private cancer screening services, which often charge upwards of £5,000 simply for an initial test – and it’s this accessible approach to pricing that sets Test4Cancer apart from the rest by making health a priority above all else.
The bottom line
Test4Cancer’s range of tests is designed to empower individuals to take control of their health by providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions. As well as utilising cutting-edge technology to deliver definitive results, tests are completed quickly and efficiently; a blood sample is taken by a phlebotomist at an approved location and sent off to the lab for analysis, and results are returned as quickly as possible so that minimal time is spent waiting and worrying. All outcomes are delivered confidentially, allowing individuals to receive their results in a private and secure manner, and with comprehensive support made available to patients, including access to healthcare professionals who can help interpret results and provide guidance on next steps, Test4Cancer offers the whole package and is already playing a crucial role in the future of cancer care.
Click here to schedule a call with a member of the Test4Cancer team to answer any questions that you might have.
