Blood Drug Testing

can i go into the docs and ask for a cancer blood test?

iv been concerned about cancer for a while now after watching a tv program. so i was wondering if there is a blood test you can get and if i can just go in and ask for one

Public Comments

1. Yes you can.
2. You can but it would be better to have a chat with your doctor about your irrational fears of cancer.........
3. You can ask your GP for a blood test but I think each cancer has a specific test.Go and see your GP if only for your own peace of mind.Good Luck
4. No there is no such blood test. For some types of cancer there is genetic testing, which is given to people at increased risk of that particular cancer because of their family history - where several family members have had the same type of cancer (especially if some developed it at a younger than usual age) and there is concern that it's hereditary; or when someone's parent carries or may have carried one of the rare faulty genes responsible for hereditary cancers (fewer than 10% of all cancer cases, all types, are hereditary) There is no blood test that can establish whether you have any of the 200+ diseases that come under the umbrella title of 'cancer'; testing for specific types of cancer is carried out where there are symptoms. Why are you concerned about cancer? What type of cancer do you think you might have? If you have symptoms, see your doctor; if s/he has cause for concern, s/he will refer you for the appropriate tests.
5. Yes, there are blood tests.
6. Which of the approximately 200 different types of cancer are you worried about and wanting to be tested for? Not all cancers have screening tests and for those that do they are not all blood tests. If you have specific health concerns, see a Dr who can send you for appropriate testing for any illness that you may be showing symptoms of or be at high risk for.
7. There really aren't any screening blood tests for cancers...which is what you suggesting. There are various "tumor markers" which MAY be elevated in certain cancers...but they also may not, so they are not reliable, non-specific and non-diagnostic. Blood cancers like leukemias are usually diagnosed by a blood test. It sounds more like you are anxious and have an irrational fear of cancer. No test can completly rule it in or rule it out.
8. Yes you can ,but the doctor will ask you why you need your blood checked if he or she thinks you need one they will do a check if they think it's something else they will suggest a different test it also depends on your symptoms ,and family history Hope this helps.