After recent news about Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her cancer diagnosis hit the headlines, the world is reminded of how difficult and unexpected a cancer diagnosis can be.
With over 35 million new cancer cases anticipated by 2050, it has never been more important for companies to find ways to detect early-onset cancers. This is made even more urgent by a study by University of Edinburgh and the Zhejiang University School of Medicine in China, which revealed a 79% surge in cancer cases among young people globally due to factors like obesity and alcohol consumption.
Against these shocking figures, a whole new wave of startups are emerging, using technology to help detect cancer in earlier stages.
How Is Cancer Usually Diagnosed?
Cancer is typically diagnosed using a number of testing methods, which aim to detect the presence of any cancerous or abnormal cells.
Usually, medical professionals will use a combination of tests, including MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, which can provide images of the inside of the body. Blood tests and biopsies are other means of testing, allowing professionals to look for markers or examine the cells themselves for abnormalities.
As time goes on and researchers start to find correlations between genes and cancer development, genetic testing has also become more popular. These tests give insights into hereditary risks of cancer, helping people make preventative choices.
Why Is Early Cancer Detection Important?
Early cancer detection is important for several reasons. Firstly, detecting cancer at an early stage is shown to significantly increase the chance of remission. In general, early stage cancers are more treatable because they have not yet grown or spread to other areas of the body.
This opens up a wider range of treatment options, allowing for more targeted care. For example, a contained tumour could be removed if caught early enough, however when it begins to spread more aggressive forms of general treatment like chemotherapy may have to be used. Not only does early detection reduce the risk of treatment symptoms, it also helps lower care costs overall.
As this disease becomes more present, so do the companies helping prevent it. Here, we look at five startups that are changing the game in cancer diagnostics.
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Startups Innovating Cancer Diagnostics
Cyrcadia Asia
Cyrcadia Asia is using the power of AI to detect breast cancer. Through their bespoke sensor-filled patch that is placed under a bra for daily wear, the AI-led software is able to track biometric changes that may be a sign of breast cancer.
The tracker can alert the wearer of any changes, including temperature or changes in size – which may be signs of tumours forming. With breast cancer’s survival rate depending greatly on early diagnosis, Cyrcadia Asia is helping more women be proactive about their breast health.
Isabl
Isabl is a gene testing software that looks for cancer-associated mutations in DNA to detect the likelihood of cancer development. The company analyses 100% of the tumour genome and transcriptome, revealing and identifying relevant cancer-associated mutations.
With thousands of genomes tested in every sample. the company is continuing to help track the correlation between genetics and cancer, helping more people get personalised, preventative care.
BetterMedicine AI
BetterMedicine AI is an oncology diagnostics tool, designed to help radiologists analyse images faster and more accurately. With the ration of radiologists to cancer patients getting bigger, the industry needs innovative ideas to help keep up with demand.
Better Medicine works by analysing images side by side and instantly analysing them to track any changes in size. This quick analysis can help track any tumour growth quickly and efficiently, without relying on medical professionals to do it manually.
Enrich Bioscience
Enrich Bioscience uses blood tests to scan DNA for early cancer detection. Through a non-invasive blood test, the company is able to test a range of biomarkers for cancer detection.
As cancer is usually tested for once symptoms occur – which can often be too late – this technology helps with preventative disease management. Through continuing to research these correlations between DNA and cancer, as well as creating a single test to analyse a variety of cancers, Enrich is helping more people access preventative cancer care.
CureMetrix
CureMetrix uses the power of AI to improve the analysis of mammograms. Through their AI-driven tech, radiologists are able to analyse and diagnose cancer quicker and more accurately.
This technology not only improves earlier detection, but also can help patients access care faster, giving them a greater chance of remission.
