This 'Forgotten' Blood Test Can Catch Cancer Early ...Saudi Arabia

According to a 2024 survey conducted by Aflac, 60% of Americans have avoided recommended health screenings, which is up a whopping 20% from 2023. Millennials are the age group that avoids them the most. Perhaps part of the reason so many people miss out on recommended health screenings is that they don’t know what to ask for and when. Keep reading for the facts, including the blood test most people forget to ask for that can play a major role in catching cancer early.?SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week?

One of the major reasons why people don’t get cancer screenings? They're afraid of what they might learn. But when it comes to cancer, ignorance is not bliss. The earlier that cancer is caught, the better the prognosis. Additionally, cancer screenings can help detect cancer before symptoms start—another reason why they are so important. The American Cancer Society has a helpful guide for knowing when to get various cancer screenings based on age. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and colon cancer or breast cancer runs in your family, it’s recommended to get screened for these types of cancer. If you’re in your mid-40s, it’s recommended to be screened for colon cancer and to start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms. People in their 50s should get a yearly lung cancer screening and all men should have a prostate cancer screening.

All that to say, if you have a family history of cancer, it may be worth it to get these screenings earlier—so always talk to your provider about the right cancer screening timeline for you.Related: 'I'm an Oncologist—This Is the Afternoon Snack I Eat Almost Every Day for Cancer Prevention'

And there is another test that many people don’t ask for that can help catch cancer early: a complete blood count (CBC) test. “A CBC test provides essential information about a patient’s overall health by measuring different blood cell types,” explainsDr. Maryssa M.C. Miller, MD, RD, an internal medicine doctor and registered dietitian at Foxhall Internists.Dr. Miller says that while a CBC test cannot diagnose cancer on its own, it can reveal early signs of certain types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, which often cause abnormal increases or decreases in blood cell counts. Related: The Viral Trend That Actually Raises Your Risk for Skin Cancer

“Additionally, unexplained anemia detected through a CBC test may signal underlying cancer, particularly colon cancer. Although a CBC is not a substitute for routine cancer screenings like colonoscopies, it can alert doctors and patients to potential issues that warrant further investigation,” Dr. Miller says.

How Often You Should Get a Complete Blood Count Test

There’s no question that CBC tests are beneficial. Does this mean you should be asking for one at every annual check-up? Not necessarily. Dr. Miller says that it’s not advised for healthy adults to receive routine CBC tests if they don’t have any symptoms or clinical reasons. “Evidence suggests that, on a population level, the likelihood of identifying a significant health issue through a CBC test alone is relatively low. Additionally, the potential harms—such as unnecessary follow-up tests, procedures and increased patient anxiety—may outweigh the benefits and costs of routine screening,” she explains.Related: 'I'm an Oncologist and This Is the Exact Diet I Follow for Cancer Prevention'

So, when should you get one? Anytime you feel “off” (such as you’re experiencing fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fevers, unusual bleeding or bruising), Dr. Miller says it’s a good idea to ask for this test. Additionally, if you have a chronic illness, are taking medications such as immunosuppressants or undergoing chemotherapy, she explains that you may need routine blood count monitoring.“Testing decisions should be personalized, taking into account each patient's overall health, risk factors and family history. Older adults or individuals with certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent CBC testing. These decisions should be made in consultation with their healthcare provider,” Dr. Miller says.

When it comes to cancer prevention, staying on top of screenings recommended for your age group, seeing your healthcare provider any time you’re experiencing symptoms you can’t explain, and asking for a CBC test when it makes sense to do so all play a role. 

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