Early Detection & Intervention Research

Understand the differences between prevention and intervention and the impacts of each area of research. The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), a leader in funding cancer research for over 51 years, has been championing the prioritization of cancer intervention and prevention research. There are a few critical differences between intervening and preventing cancer. What is Cancer Intervention? Cancer intervention means finding and treating tumors at the earliest stages before extensive growth or spread. This involves: Developing and advancing screening tests for microscopic tumors through enhanced imaging and new biomarkers. NFCR helps fund the improvement of detection technologies and the identification of early-warning molecular signs. Testing precision therapies tailored to destroy the first cancerous cells by targeting specific genetic changes. NFCR provides grants for researchers on innovative early cancer treatments. Investigating if lifestyle changes and medications can halt progression when precancerous abnormalities emerge. NFCR supports research on how diet, exercise, and anti-cancer drugs might neutralize early lesions. Intervening quickly when cellular abnormalities first appear can transform outcomes by stopping cancer before proliferation and metastasis. What is Cancer Prevention? Cancer prevention refers to approaches that proactively reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. This includes: Adopting lifestyle choices to avoid risk factors like tobacco use. Everyday prevention behaviors such as eating cancer-fighting foods and meeting physical activity guidelines can help the immune system fight off cancer. Undergoing regular screening exams, especially for high-risk populations with a family cancer history, to find and remove precancerous lesions before they turn malignant. NFCR provides recommendations on optimal early detection approaches. Minimizing intake of carcinogens, optimizing protective compounds, and supporting overall body function through a nutritious, balanced diet tailored to individual risks. Funding chemoprevention research on natural compounds or drugs that may lower risk. NFCR funds research on and helps to analyze the cancer prevention potential of antioxidants, aspirin and other agents. Why Is It Critical to Focus Research on Early Intervention? Prevention is the best weapon against cancer. Worldwide research studies over many years indicate roughly 30-40% of cancer diagnoses could be prevented by modest diet and lifestyle changes. NFCR publishes information about key food groups with cancer-fighting properties. The goals are minimizing intake of carcinogens, optimizing protective compounds, and supporting overall body function through a nutritious, balanced diet tailored to individual risks. Early screening enhancements for cancer help us find the first signs of cancer before it spreads and kills. However, once cancer is detected, intervening early allows scientists and clinicians to give patients a strong chance to destroy the first cancer cells present and eliminate cancer before advanced disease develops. Boosted early screening and precision treatments tailored to the genetics of these initial cancer cells improve outcomes dramatically compared to late diagnosis. Finding and treating emerging tumors swiftly and thoroughly at the root cause will transform how we conquer humanity’s oldest diseases. NFCR believes early cancer intervention breakthroughs bring us closer to our ultimate mission – a world without cancer deaths. The Future is Early Early screening enhancements and therapies customized to root out the first signs of cancer provide hope that one day, lifelong management or even cure is possible. NFCR [...]

A new test can identify a range of cancers in patients with non-specific symptoms. One of the most troubling things about cancer is the time it can take to reach a diagnosis if the symptoms are not clear-cut. While some cancers are easy to identify and test for, some patients spend months battling symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss before the correct tests are ordered. A University of Oxford study recently highlighted a new type of blood test that can detect a range of cancers and whether these cancers have spread (metastasized) in the body. This test will allow patients to access treatment faster.  The study analyzed samples from 300 patients with non-specific but concerning cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, to determine whether this new testing method could identify patients with a range of solid tumors from those without cancer. After successfully testing animal models, the researchers were pleased to see that the success was transferable to humans.  Study Results The results show that this test correctly detected cancer in 19 out of every 20 patients and 94% accuracy in identifying metastasis. These results make this test the first technology able to determine the metastatic status of cancer from a simple blood test without prior knowledge of the primary cancer type. Study Impact The ability to detect cancers earlier means patients are more likely to have successful treatment outcomes. This rapid and inexpensive test could help overcome many barriers to the early detection of cancer, especially in patients with non-specific symptoms, which do not direct investigations toward a specific organ and rare cancers. These game-changing findings exhilarate cancer experts across the globe. The high success rates of this study suggest that medical professionals will soon be able to accurately, timely, and cost-effectively diagnose patients with suspected cancer. This development will save patients time, money, and – most importantly – their lives. While these findings are exciting, the tests are not yet widely available. Future studies with larger patient cohorts must further evaluate this technique for the earlier detection of new cancers and potential clinical applications. Accelerating Promising Cancer Research Discoveries like these accelerate medical professionals towards finding a cure for cancers. The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) proudly presents the Salisbury Award Competition, which helps oncology startups accelerate their findings to benefit the cancer community. This program offers a unique opportunity for other promising research deemed high-risk, high-impact ideas, a core value of NFCR.  If you would like to help accelerate cancer research technology and treatment, please make a gift today.  Additional Reads You May Enjoy:  WATCH: How NFCR Plans to Increase Its Impact for Cancer Patients Efficiently Eliminating Metastasized Melanoma Cells Research Highlight: Preventing Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis Stay connected with the cancer community! Receive NFCR’s monthly e-newsletter and blogs featuring stories of inspiration, support resources, cancer prevention tips, and more. Sign up here.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. However, recent studies suggest there may be an effective way to reduce one’s risk. A team of researchers recently shared their exciting findings showing that eating greater amounts of vitamin D may help against developing colorectal cancer, particularly for those under age 50. The team analyzed data from nearly 95,000 women participating in a long-term study about diet and lifestyle. They found that those with high amounts of vitamin D in their diets—particularly from dairy products—had a 50% lower risk of developing young-onset colorectal cancer than those with lower amounts of the vitamin. Over the past decade, medical professionals have recorded a steady decline in colorectal cancer diagnoses. The decline has been attributed to the availability of effective screening and better adoption of lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise. However, that decline does not apply to younger people. In fact, colorectal cancer rates have been rising at an increased rate amongst people under 40.  A Growing Concern Academics and government experts have joined forces to solve the mystery of the rapid increase. However, the puzzle remains unsolved mainly. One of the most likely determinants is diet amongst this age group. The group of experts identified that in addition to not eating enough fruits and vegetables, this age group was deficient in vitamin D.  Further exploring this matter, researchers looked at data broken down between vitamin D absorbed via dietary sources and vitamin D absorbed from a supplement. Shockingly, the results were more favorable among participants who absorbed vitamin D from dietary sources. So, how can vitamin D be added to a diet? Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means that it doesn’t dissolve in water and absorbs better when paired with some kind of fat. Meaning it’s more effective to choose dairy products that aren’t nonfat as the fat in the dairy helps to facilitate the body’s absorption of vitamin D. However, sources other than dairy help the body meet its vitamin D quota.  Salmon Salmon is a popular fatty fish and an excellent source of vitamin D. On average, wild-caught salmon packs 124% of the daily recommended value (DV) per 100 grams. It is important to note that farmed fish often have less vitamin D; however, it still surpasses 25% of the DV on average. Check out a tasty salmon recipe here. Egg Yolks Eggs can hold a significant amount of vitamin D. Still, it can vary greatly depending on sun exposure and the vitamin D content of the chicken feed. When given the same meal, pasture-raised chickens that roam outside in the sunlight produce eggs with levels 3–4 times higher. On average, a typical egg yolk contains 5% of the DV. However, eggs from chickens given vitamin-D-enriched feed may have up to 7 times the DV! Try a tasty recipe to sneak some eggs onto the dinner plate here. Mushrooms Mushrooms are magical fungi that positively impact health in a variety of ways. Excluding fortified foods, mushrooms are the only good non-animal source of vitamin D. Like humans, mushrooms can synthesize […]