Researchers are looking for 120,000 women nationwide to take part in a study that might lead to detecting cancer with a blood test.
The Cleveland Clinic is teaming up with the Mayo Clinic, as well as several other hospitals across the country, for the STRIVE study. It's a study that will use advanced technology to look for small pieces of genetic material released into the blood by tumors.
Healthy women getting their yearly mammograms at some Cleveland Clinic locations may be asked to take part in the study.
"This goes beyond breast cancer," said Dr. Stephen Grobmyer, Director of the Breast Center at the Cleveland Clinic. "This would be a way to screen for not only breast cancer but other cancers with a blood test."
The study consists of a blood draw and some health history paperwork.
"We believe that when cancer cells grow, they may spill DNA into blood, and we can use that DNA as a very early marker of cancer," added Grobmyer.
If a blood test is developed from this study, it could also find new treatments in the fight against cancer.
"That's why we're so excited. It has the potential to be a real game changer," said Grobmyer.
If you would like to take part in the study click here.
