Why Are Liquid Biopsies Considered a Game-Changer in Cancer Detection

1. Why Are Liquid Biopsies Considered a Game-Changer in Cancer Detection? Early detection is the cornerstone of e?ective cancer treatment. Traditional cancer screening methods, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and tissue biopsies, have long been the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring cancer. However, advances in medical technology have introduced liquid biopsy—a revolutionary, non-invasive method for detecting cancer through a simple blood test. In this blog, we’ll explain how liquid biopsy compares to traditional cancer screening methods, its unique benefits, and why it is considered a game-changer in early cancer detection. Why Early Detection of Cancer Is Crucial Early detection is critical in cancer care, improving the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Here’s why it matters:

2. Improved Outcomes: Cancer detected at an early stage is often localised and easier to treat, leading to significantly better outcomes. Examples of Early Detection Benefits: Breast Cancer: Early-stage detection through screening increases the five-year survival rate to 99%. Lung Cancer: Screening with low-dose CT scans reduces mortality by up to 20% in high-risk individuals. Symptom-Free Detection: Many cancers, such as pancreatic and ovarian cancer, don’t show symptoms until they are advanced, making routine screenings essential. Traditional Cancer Screening: The Current Gold Standard Traditional cancer screening methods are widely used and e?ective for detecting specific types of cancer. Here are some of the most common ones: Mammogram Used to screen for breast cancer through X-ray imaging. E?ective in detecting tumours at an early stage. Colonoscopy Examine the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer. Can stop cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps. Pap Smear and HPV Test Detects cervical cancer by analysing cells collected from the cervix. Identifies HPV infections, a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Low-Dose CT Scan Screens for lung cancer, especially in high-risk individuals like smokers. Tissue Biopsy Involves extracting a sample of tissue from a suspected tumour for analysis. Provides a definitive diagnosis of cancer. While these methods are e?ective, they are often invasive, time-consuming, and sometimes limited in their ability to detect cancers at an early stage. Liquid Biopsy: A Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Screening While traditional cancer screening methods are e?ective, liquid biopsy is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic tool that is transforming early cancer detection. Unlike tissue biopsies, which are invasive and sometimes painful, liquid biopsies only require a simple blood draw, making them safer and more convenient.

3. How Liquid Biopsy Works: Detects circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream. Analyses biomarkers to identify cancer mutations, track tumour evolution, and monitor treatment response. Provides a comprehensive tumour profile without the need for invasive procedures. Advantages of Cancer Screening Using Liquid Biopsies Cancer screening with liquid biopsies o?ers numerous advantages, including: Detection Before Symptoms Appear: Liquid biopsies can identify cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms manifest, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Non-Invasive and Convenient: Unlike traditional biopsies, which require surgical intervention, liquid biopsies involve only a simple blood draw, reducing patient discomfort. Real-Time Monitoring: Liquid biopsies allow healthcare providers to track tumour progression and treatment e?ectiveness and detect recurrences in real time. Comprehensive Insights: By analysing ctDNA, liquid biopsies provide a clear understanding of the tumour’s genetic makeup, enabling personalised treatment plans. Applicable for Multiple Cancers: Liquid biopsies can be used to screen for various cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. Minimised Risks: Being non-invasive, liquid biopsies eliminate the risks of complications associated with traditional biopsy procedures. Limitations of Traditional Methods While traditional screening methods are e?ective, they come with challenges: Invasiveness: Tissue biopsies and procedures like colonoscopies can be uncomfortable and require recovery time. Late Detection: Traditional methods may not detect cancer until tumours are visible or symptoms develop. Limited Scope: Some screening tests are specific to certain cancers and may not provide a full picture of overall cancer risk. When to Consider Liquid Biopsy

4. Liquid biopsy is especially beneficial for: High-Risk Individuals: People with a family history of cancer or genetic predispositions. Long-term smokers or individuals exposed to carcinogens. Cancer Survivors: Monitoring for recurrence or residual disease without repeated invasive tests. Patients Undergoing Treatment: Assessing how well a treatment is working and detecting resistance to therapies. General Screening: Detecting cancers that are di?cult to identify through traditional methods, such as pancreatic or ovarian cancer. The Role of Liquid Biopsy in Early Detection of Cancer The ability of liquid biopsy to detect cancer even before symptoms appear is a game- changer in oncology. By analysing genetic material in the blood, this test can identify molecular changes that indicate cancer long before tumours grow large enough to be detected by traditional imaging techniques. This allows for earlier interventions, less aggressive treatments, and better outcomes. What to Do After Your Screening After completing a liquid biopsy or other cancer screening: Understand Your Results: Normal results may require routine follow-ups. Abnormal results could lead to additional tests or a biopsy. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your results in detail to plan the next steps. Develop a personalised treatment or monitoring plan if needed. Stay Proactive: Continue routine screenings as recommended, even if the current results are clear. Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Accuracy While traditional cancer screening methods remain essential, liquid biopsy is paving the way for more accessible, non-invasive, and comprehensive diagnostics. Its ability to

5. detect cancer at its earliest stages and provide real-time insights makes it a vital tool in modern cancer care. Combining both traditional methods and liquid biopsies ensures the best approach to early detection and proactive health management. Stay Ahead of Cancer with Neeli Genetics Are you ready to take control of your health and detect cancer early? With cutting-edge liquid biopsy technology, Neeli Genetics o?ers a non-invasive, convenient, and reliable approach to cancer screening. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your liquid biopsy screening today and safeguard your future. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you take the first step toward better health and early cancer detection.