Saliva-based DNA Test May Help Determine Cancer Risk
Saliva based DNA Test May Help Determine Cancer Risk Researchers have once again confirmed that saliva presents a means of detecting cancer. The finding was presented at the 242nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society in
Saliva-based DNA Test May Help Determine Cancer Risk
Researchers have once again confirmed that saliva provides a probable means of detecting cancer. The finding was presented at the 242nd National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in late August. A study led by Hauh-Jyun Candy Chen, PhD, based at National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan, examined a test that measures the amount of potential carcinogens present in a person’s DNA, raising the possibility of a DNA-based saliva test that could be used to determine cancer risk. “The test measures the amount of damaged DNA in a person’s body,” Chen notes, adding that collecting saliva samples is more convenient than requesting blood and urine samples. “This is important because damaged DNA is a biomarker that may help doctors diagnose diseases, monitor how effective treatment is, and also recommend things high-risk patients can do to reduce the chances of actually getting a disease.”
According to the analysis, DNA becomes damaged when cancer-causing substances attach to its strands. Once this occurs, DNA changes and the risk of genetic mutation increases. Although the human body is designed to repair damaged DNA, the researchers note that failure of this self-repair system could lead to mutations or genetic changes that may result in cancer.
The test examines DNA found in white blood cells that are naturally occurring in saliva and also from cells shed from the mouth’s lining. After being collected, the DNA is examined with a mass spectrometer. Chen hopes this research will help increase awareness of exposure to potential carcinogens, and reinforce the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular health care appointments.
