Scientists have identified a group of blood proteins that may help predict an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer more than five years before diagnosis, according to research published June 11 in the journal Cell. The international study, conducted by more than 80 researchers across four continents, found that elevated levels of certain proteins linked to inflammation were strongly associated with future lung cancer cases.
Researchers also reported early evidence suggesting that an existing anti-inflammatory drug could reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer among people with high concentrations of these proteins.
But while experts described the findings as a promising step toward earlier detection and prevention, they cautioned that further research is needed before any blood test or treatment strategy based on the discovery can be used in clinical practice.
Indeed, lung cancer is one of the most common, most dangerous, and most frequently talked about forms of cancer in the world. For decades, diagnoses and deaths continued to rise due to the lack of a known cure. However, a shift is underway. As awareness of lung cancer's causes grows, the number of new cases has been declining since 2008. But despite this progress, lung cancer remains one of the most common cancer in many parts of the world, and much work still lies ahead.
Read on to learn everything you need to know to better protect yourself and your loved ones from lung cancer.