
09/01/2025
Can we detect cancer by
A complete blood count ?
(CBC) test is commonly used to assess overall health and detect a variety of conditions, including infections, anemia, and other blood disorders. However, it cannot directly diagnose cancer. A CBC can sometimes raise suspicion for certain cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, by identifying abnormal levels of certain blood cells. For example, in leukemia, there might be an increased number of white blood cells, while in certain types of cancer, low levels of red blood cells (anemia) or platelets can be noted.
However, CBC results alone are not sufficient to confirm the presence of cancer. Further tests, including imaging studies (like CT scans, MRIs), biopsies, and specific cancer markers, are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.