A Pill To Detect Breast Cancer. Does It Work?

In a study at the University of Michigan, a pill was  made that has the ability to make the detection of breast cancer cells easier.

Until now, the detection of breast cancer has been based on self-examinations and mammography. However, there have been cases where diagnostic techniques that use X-rays can give false positives.

Because of this, researchers have been working on new methods for detecting breast cancer in the past through safe and accurate screenings.

Although the pill is still in the experimental stage, it has the ability to identify the location of cancer cells more accurately.

Now we will go into more detail.

Detecting breast cancer can be faster and more reliable

False positives are very common. But now this pill aims to, above all, provide a more accurate diagnosis for women.

Since the pill is still in the testing phase, it has not yet been tested on humans.

According to the director of the study, Greg Thurber, the pill is used in European clinics, and it has shown great success, so expectations are very high.

A pill that causes the cancer cells to “light up”

The way this pill works is very simple: the patient takes the tablet orally, and it will slowly release a fluorescent agent that will immediately attach to cancer cells if present.

Cancer cells can then be seen on simple X-rays.

Researchers feel obligated to develop this technique, as mammography is not very accurate in cases involving women with tight breasts.

• In addition, common diagnostic techniques will not show specialists if the cells or tumor are carcinogenic or benign, which is why false positives are common.
• This technique was presented with high expectations in the 251st American Chemical Society’s Annual Meeting & Exposition (ACS).
• In a rat experiment, it was shown that this pill immediately identified tumor cells.
• If the tumor is benign, the fluorescent light will not appear, eliminating the need for a biopsy. As a result, patients will be able to relax.

Within a few years, such a pill will be able to distinguish between rapid and slow tumor growth

In several cases, patients’ treatment is postponed. Although this may be necessary in some cases, time remains an important factor in achieving an early diagnosis and reducing the severity.

Currently, the luminescent light can only distinguish between cancerous tumors and benign tumors. It is not able to show the growth rate of the malignant cells.

• The creators of a pill like this are now trying to include a new element that has the ability to identify the frequency of a tumor growth.

• This new element will  allow patients to receive an immediate diagnosis, as well as treatment tailored to their specific needs.

This will also prevent the use of techniques that are too aggressive or not aggressive enough. Using the wrong techniques can make the situation worse.

Big steps, higher hopes

It is important that doctors are able to detect cancer early, but in some cases it is impossible.

Despite these serious cases, having breast cancer does not mean that you have been sentenced to death.

Thanks to advances in treatment and detection methods, we are facing a treatable disease that millions of women have already overcome.

Those who have survived breast cancer are authentic heroes who show us that courage and strength can overcome breast cancer. Nevertheless, we must still be very aware of the following things:

• Perform daily self-examinations of the breasts.
• Review periodic checkups with your healthcare provider and get a mammogram.
• Live a healthy life, where you avoid being overweight, do not smoke, and do not have a sedentary life.
• Increase preventative measures and examinations if you have a family history of breast cancer.