Blood platelet counts are a powerful indicator of raised cancer risk – and should be used routinely to test patients in general practice, researchers say today.
A high proportion of patients with thrombocytosis <! – high blood platelet counts> went on to be diagnosed with cancer within 12 months, a study at Exeter University medical school found.
The researchers say it is the first new indicator for cancer to be found for three decades – and is a stronger indicator for men than a breast lump for women.
Use of the indicator could advance diagnosis of cancer by about three months for many patients, according to the analysis in the British Journal of General Practice.
Researchers analysed 40,000 patients’ records.
They found that 11% of men with thrombocytosis – and over the age of 40 – were diagnosed with cancer within 12 months. The same applied to 6% of women.
When patients had a second recording of an increased platelet count within six months, 18% of men and 10% of women went on to develop cancer.
The most common cancers linked to the condition were those of the lung and of the colon – and about a third of these patients had no other symptoms at the time of testing, the researchers found.
Researcher Dr Sarah Bailey said: "We know that early diagnosis is absolutely key in whether people survive cancer. Our research suggests that substantial numbers of people could have their cancer diagnosed up to three months earlier if thrombocytosis prompted investigation for cancer.
"This time could make a vital difference in achieving earlier diagnosis."
The medical school’s professor of primary care diagnostics Professor Willie Hamilton said: "Our findings on thrombocytosis show a strong association with cancer, particularly in men – far stronger than that of a breast lump for breast cancer in women.
"It is now crucial that we roll out cancer investigation of thrombocytosis. It could save hundreds of lives each year."
The Royal College of GPs said the findings were "interesting."
Chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: "As new research is published, it is important that it is reviewed, and if found to be robust, is taken on board and that guidelines for healthcare professionals are subsequently updated.
“This research finding is interesting and builds on existing data about high platelet counts. Platelet counts are measured as part of a ‘full blood count’ test which is a routinely available blood test for GPs.
“But it remains important that GPs have access to other appropriate diagnostic tests in the community – including emerging tests and imaging techniques – as this would be of real benefit for our patients, and currently we have one of the lowest access rates to diagnostic tests in Europe."
Clinical relevance of thrombocytosis in primary care: a prospective cohort study of cancer incidence using English electronic medical records and cancer registry data BJGP 23 May 2017
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