Could a Blood Test Help Detect Cancer Risk?

What if a blood test could reveal your likelihood of developing cancer? Dr. Alexander Huang at the University of Pennsylvania is on a mission to develop diagnostic tools that could help identify cancer risk earlier, giving patients more opportunities to prevent the disease.

His lab researches Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases a person’s risk of developing certain cancer types, such as colon and endometrial cancer. Drawing on his work treating patients in the clinic, the 2022 Pew-Stewart scholar hopes these new detection strategies could improve cancer prevention and treatment for patients with Lynch syndrome and other conditions. 

Supported by The Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust, the Pew-Stewart Scholars Program for Cancer Research is a national initiative designed to support promising early-career scientists whose work accelerates discovery and advances progress toward a cure for cancer.