American scientists have found an effective method for early detection of cancer. The corresponding study is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, briefly reported by The Telegraph.

The method involves blood sampling and allows for a small fraction of the DNA associated with the tumor to track the onset of malignant growth of the large intestine, breast, lung and ovarian cancer.

Diagnosis is based on the sorting of mutations in DNA caused by oncological factors, from other genetic changes. "We are trying to find a needle in a haystack, so when we identify a change in DNA, we want to make sure that this is what we mean," says co-author Viktor Velkulescu.

Scientists tested the new technology on 138 patients with early stages of cancer, whose diagnosis at this stage is difficult. Oncological diseases by a new method were determined in 86 patients. Also, experts checked 44 healthy people, the results of tests for cancer they were negative.

In the future, scientists plan to test the test system on more patients, and also pay special attention to diagnosing the health status of people at high risk of oncological diseases, in particular, smokers.