Strand Life Sciences has introduced CancerSpot, a blood-based test designed for the early detection of multiple cancers. This innovative test uses genome sequencing—a technique used to map out DNA—for early detection of cancer. Interestingly, Cancerspot is developed with data from Indian cohorts and its applicability spans global ethnicities, offering a non-invasive solution for routine cancer screening.Dr. Ramesh Hariharan, CEO and Co-Founder of Strand Life Sciences, explained, "CancerSpot employs advanced methylation profiling technology to identify tumor DNA fragments in a blood sample. This technique enables us to pinpoint the top two potential organs where cancer might be developing." Cancer Spot Can Detect Cancer Before Symptoms AppearAccording to Dr Hariharan, Cancerspot can detect cancer even before its symptoms appear. "If you wait for symptoms, there is a chance that it could be too late. Early warning is the key to winning the battle against cancer," he said. However, for that people need to be aware and be proactive in getting regular screenings. He explained that all medical guidelines say that women, in risk-prone age, should go through monthly regular mammograms, even if there are no symptoms. The success of Cancerspot depends upon the early detection, which is dependent on only two things—awareness and education. "The average age for cancer diagnosis is now falling below 50, which highlights the need for individuals in high-risk brackets to begin routine screenings. However, there is often natural resistance to these tests—after all, who wants to undergo a potentially painful process?," said Dr Hariharan. Aim To Make CancerSpot Accessible To EveryoneWith further research, we’ve already seen significant progress over the past few years, and much more is on the horizon. What was once unknown—requiring costly tests in the range of Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000—could soon be reduced to Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, making it more accessible. "Ultimately, the widespread adoption of these medicals advancements depends on younger generations. At the end, increased usage and demand will pave the way for the costs of CancerSpot coming down eventually, " Mr Nilesh Modi, Chairman's Office, Reliance Industries Limited said. India ranks third after China and the United States in number of cancer cases. As per data by Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), one in nine people in India are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. GLOBOCAN predicted that cancer cases in India would increase to 2.08 million, accounting for a rise of 57.5 per cent in 2040 from 2020. Isha Ambani Piramal, Member of the Board at Reliance Industries, said that cancer in India is a growing health crisis, creating a profound burden on patients and communities. The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Strand Life Sciences' new Genomics Diagnostics & Research Centre in Bengaluru. This 33,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art genomics laboratories equipped with cutting-edge sequencing technologies to advance research and diagnostics. Dr Charles Cantor, a renowned genomics expert and former professor at Columbia University, UC Berkeley, and Boston University, inaugurated the center, which aims to drive the CancerSpot program further.