Imagine a world where a simple swab of saliva could hold the key to early detection of one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally!
A simple spit could be the key to giving women a better chance at beating this formidable foe. Recent discoveries have uncovered the surprising potential of saliva as a game-changing tool in the early detection of breast cancer.
Bringing a ray of hope to the battle against this prevalent disease, let’s commemorate this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) theme ‘Keeping Her in The Picture’.
Imagine going to the doctor and, instead of enduring invasive tests, you’re asked for a small sample of your spit. It might sound too good to be true, but recent studies suggest that the often-underestimated unstimulated saliva might hold more answers than we ever thought possible.
It’s like this humble bodily fluid has been quietly hiding the clues to detecting breast cancer all along!
Image credit: Oasis Diagnostics Corporation, USA
Research shines a light on different ways of testing saliva revealing that some methods like RT-qPCR, SERS, and Western blot, pack a punch when it comes to accuracy.
It’s the good old RT-qPCR that steals the show in the fight against breast cancer!
A fascinating link between age and the accuracy of these tests has been uncovered. It seems that as we grow older, our saliva might become more revealing, possibly holding more secrets about our health than we ever knew!
Well, it’s not just about science; it’s about people.
Studies show that different populations might respond differently to these spit tests. This means that a simple saliva sample could potentially offer tailored solutions for different communities, providing more personalized care for those fighting breast cancer.
While this breakthrough is cause for celebration, it’s crucial to remember the hurdles we still face. Some studies were small, and others may not have been completely fair, making it vital for future research to be thorough and transparent.
One thing is certain…….
……the power of spit is proving to be a beacon of hope in the world of breast cancer diagnosis! This simple, non-invasive test could be the key to catching the disease early, giving women a fighting chance to beat it and live long, healthy lives.
What do you think about the idea of using something as simple as spit to fight breast cancer?
Join The Spit School to learn more about the wonders of saliva!
Inspired by: doi: 10.1002/cam4.4640
Abbreviations used are stretched below:
RT-qPCR:
Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, also called RT-qPCR, is used to detect and quantify RNA. (Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific)
SERS:
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a surface-sensitive technique that enhances Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on rough metal surfaces or by nanostructures such as plasmonic-magnetic silica nanotubes. (Source: Wikipedia)
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