NUMBERS 13

Scientists have developed a new test that can predict with 100% accuracy whether someone will develop cancer up to 13 years in the future. Small but significant changes taking place in the body more than a decade before cancer was diagnosed helped researchers at Harvard and Northwestern University made this success. 

They found protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, which prevent DNA damage were more worn down those who went on to develop cancer. 

Dr, Lifang Hou, the lead study author, said "because we saw a strong relationship in the pattern across a wide variety of cancers, with the right testing these procedures could be used eventually to diagnose a wide variety of cancers. Understanding this pattern of telomere growth may mean it can be a predictive biomarker for cancer....We found cancer has hijacked the telomere shortening in order to flourish in the body." 

SOURCE:  TIMESOFINDIA.INDIATIMES.COM