Researchers at the University of Southampton are trying to develop a method for predicting the risk of cancer
Currently, only five percent of the budget for health and medical research in the UK is spent on disease prevention
Researchers at the University of Southampton are trying to develop a method for predicting the cancer.
The research team, led by Professor Paul Little, will collect and analyze clinical data and blood samples from 20 000 patients with lung or colon cancer. The aim of the study was to identify the most frequently occurring symptoms and markers, which later could serve as a diagnostic criterion.
The scientists will also conduct genetic testing to determine how informative they can be and how much information, outside of the clinically available, may be revealed only from the genetic testing.
The ultimate goal of the five-year study is to improve the diagnosis of these diseases. Currently in the UK GPs have to refer the emergency cases to a specialist within two weeks, but the non-urgent – up to 62 days. Experience has shown that in many cases it takes more time and often patients have to visit their GP doctor more than once, in order to be referred to a specialist.
According to Professor Little the targeting of cancer patients and their referring from the GPs to the oncologist must happen faster. But at the same time the system of the health care should not be overloadied by people with low cancer risk, who will be subjected to unnecessary diagnostic and its side effects. Waiting for the results also may be too strained and painful, so this step should also be fully shortened.
Currently, only five percent of the budget for health and medical research in the UK is spent on disease prevention. For many diseases, particularly such as the various cancers, the earlier identified and diagnosed the disease is, the better the prognosis and final outcome for the patient.
This prospective study builds on previous research that was seeking predictive symptoms based on retrospective data.
Source : dailyhealtharticles[dot]com
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