Can nucleic acid testing detect early-stage cancer?
Feb 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
In general, nucleic acid testing cannot detect early-stage cancer. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a physician. The primary principle of nucleic acid testing involves targeting specific pathogens, such as viruses, and detecting their genetic material—DNA or RNA. By collecting respiratory specimens and using specific technical methods, the presence of particular viral DNA or RNA fragments in the sample is analyzed.
Generally, nucleic acid testing cannot detect early-stage cancer. If there are concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Nucleic acid testing primarily works by detecting the genetic material—DNA or RNA—of specific pathogens, such as viruses. By collecting respiratory samples and using specific technical methods, the test analyzes whether certain viral DNA or RNA fragments exist in the sample, thereby determining whether a patient is infected with a virus. This process is highly specific, targeting only the genetic material of viruses rather than changes in human body cells. Cancer, however, arises due to abnormal proliferation and differentiation of human cells. Such changes do not involve viral genetic material, so nucleic acid tests cannot directly detect cancer.
Cancer detection requires a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including the morphology, size, and division rate of cells, as well as the levels of biomarkers such as tumor markers. These require more complex and specialized testing methods, such as color ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging examinations, and biochemical tests for tumor markers. These methods can more directly reflect changes in human cells and the presence of tumors, thus assisting doctors in making accurate diagnoses.
In daily life, regular medical checkups are recommended, especially for individuals with a family history of cancer. Physical exams can promptly identify abnormalities in the body, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
