from LDNews.com

Cancer is never an easy topic to discuss, but it is a far worse condition to face.

Now, there is good news about a noninvasive, prevantative test to fight one of the most common -- and treatable, if caught early -- forms of cancer.

John Hopkins University reported in the journal Science on Friday of a new blood test that identifies a genetic change that acts as a precursor to the development of colon cancer.

Colon cancer patients have strong survival rates, given early detection and treatment. However, until development of the drug test, the main method of prevention and detection of the cancer was a colonoscopy -- an uncomfortable procedure that, despite its usefulness, many Americans do not undergo after age 50, as recommended.

The blood test makes for a much easier method of health maintenance and cancer prevention.

The test tracks certain genes that control growth of some body cells. Normally, only one of the two inherited genes (one from father, one from mother) in an individual's body is active. In some cases, however, the usually dormant gene suddenly begins sending out its own messages. These additional genetic messages can lead to an overproduction of cells, and cancer is, at its root, out-of-control cell growth.

Dr. Neal Barnard, president of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, noted in a letter praising the new test that there are other considerations: that sizing up our cancer risk is never as good as preventing the disease with a healthy diet.

Barnard's organization promotes a vegetarian lifestyle and cites studies linking meat and fat consumption to cancer.

The issue of vegetarianism is one of personal choice. But numerous studies, as Barnard notes, have found that a good diet -- the inclusion of bran or other high-fiber sources, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, have been shown to cut the risk of development of colon cancer.

When the enemy is cancer, any weapon that can be brought into the fray -- especially those that pre-empt, rather than attack after the fact -- should be considered.