World Cancer Day – 4th February 2018
On 4 February, World Cancer Day is a day to unite in the fight against cancer. It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action.1
About Cancer
In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body. Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the blood needs them.
When cancer develops, however, this orderly process breaks down. As cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new cells form when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumours.
Early Diagnosis
It is important that you spot cancer as early as possible to ensure the most effective and appropriate treatment is given. However, some possible signs of cancer, like a lump, are better known than others. As symptoms like breathlessness, changes in bowel habits and bleeding are often caused by other, non-cancerous illnesses, but it’s important to visit your GP so they can investigate.2
More than 9 in 10 bowel cancer patients will survive the disease for more than 5 years if diagnosed at the earliest stage. The World Health Organisation states that, early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.3 The two major components of early detection of cancer are, education to promote early diagnosis and screening. It is important that the population is aware of the possible warning signs of cancer and take prompt actions to lead to early diagnosis.
Around 1 in 4 of cancers in the UK are diagnosed through emergency admission to hospital.4 Most patients diagnosed in this way have lower chances of survival compared to others. This emphasises the importance of promoting early diagnosis through educating the public of the signs of cancer.
Randox Biosciences Product Offerings
Randox Biosciences currently offer a KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA* array that simultaneously detects 20 point mutations within the KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA* genes. Whilst designed for colorectal cancer, the KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA* Array has implications for mutation screening in other cancer types like lung cancer.
The array is based on a combination of multiplex PCR and biochip array hybridisation. Innovative PCR and biochip array technology permits high discrimination between multiple targets.
A unique primer set is designed for each target which will hybridise to a complementary oligo-nucleotide probe spotted on a biochip discrete test region (DTR). This combination of priming and spatially organised biochip array technology enables enhanced specificity of the array. Analysis can be completed from template DNA through PCR to data readout in 3 hours.
There are many key benefits to the Randox Biosciences KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA* Array, which are:
- Rapid turnaround time of 3 hours from extracted genomic DNA to result
- Rapid simultaneous detection of 20 key mutations
- Sensitivity of 1% mutant in a background of wildtype genomic DNA
- Covers 3 common genes implicated in colorectal cancer, reducing the need for reflex testing
This World Cancer Day, we are urging the pubic to not only help raise awareness of cancer but also educate themselves on the signs and symptoms to increase early diagnosis. As a global diagnostic company, Randox Biosciences are committed to the ongoing development of diagnostic tests, as well as our research into numerous disease areas to improve health worldwide.
To find out more email us at info@randoxbiosciences.com
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*PIK3CA for research use only
Sources:
1 – World Cancer Day
2 – NHS Choices
3- World Health Organisation
4 – Cancer Research UK
*for research use only