Blood Test for BREAST CANCER

The statistics are astounding: Every year 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. Early detection is crucial because in its early stages, treatable breast cancers can have over a 5 year 95% survival rate.

The Biomarker Translation Test, or “BT Test” is a new blood test that when used in conjunction with mammography may aid in the early detection of breast cancer. The BT test measures specific protein biomarkers in the blood that are associated with cancerous activity. The results are analyzed along with personal health history and women are given an individualized “BT score.” This exciting new test has been tested for accuracy and has indicated an accuracy of over 81%.

The BT Test is not a substitution for mammography, but is an additional tool to detect early breast cancers. Because breast cancers are easily missed with mammography, especially in women who have dense breast tissue, the BT Test is an excellent addition to conventional breast imaging.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Coming Soon! Saliva Test for Breast Cancer

Scientists in Houston are developing a saliva test to identify specific proteins found in breast cancers. In the future, this could provide us with an inexpensive and non-invasive tool to detect early cancers of the breast.

Cancerous tumors produce proteins that affect cell growth, cell metabolism and cell death. According to an article in the journal Cancer Investigation, “breast cancer triggers a change in the type and amount of proteins in secretions from the salivary glands.” The authors studied 30 women, 10 healthy, 10 with benign breast tumors and 10 with malignant breast cancer. After testing the samples, they identified differences in proteins among the three groups. Future studies are necessary in order to assess the reliability of saliva testing for breast cancers.

Naturopathic physicians educate women on the importance of maintaining their breast health and reducing risks associated with breast cancer. At ALETRIS, we offer a variety of progressive lab testing and imaging in order to analyze a woman’s breast health. As with other cancers, early detection of breast abnormality is conducive to more effective natural treatments.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.