broad applications discovery, page-3

Hi Guys

The US Government based National Cancer Institute provides this response to Janvier's question.

" 6. Can tumor markers be used as a screening test for cancer?

Screening tests are a way of detecting cancer early, before there are any symptoms. For a screening test to be helpful, it should have high sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the tests ability to identify people who have the disease. Specificity refers to the tests ability to identify people who do not have the disease. Most tumor markers are not sensitive or specific enough to be used for cancer screening.

Even commonly used tests may not be completely sensitive or specific...."

I can summarise the answer as "NOT RELIABLY".

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/tumor-markers

The site is actually a good place to do some surfing for those with an interest in CDY.



cheers