New Blood Test for
MelanomaMelanoma is the
most lethal skin cancer,
responsible for more
than 7,200 deaths each
year. Early diagnosis
is key to improving
survival rates, but too
many people fail to
check their skin on a
regular basis or have
a doctor do so. Now
researchers have devel-
oped a blood test to
detect melanoma in its
early stages. In a study
of 245 people, the new
test identified those
with melanoma with
79 percent accuracy
and those without the
cancer with 84 percent
accuracy. Multiple
groups worldwide are
working to develop
blood tests that can de-
tect a range of cancers.
If and when the mela-
noma test is approved
for use, it would be one
of the first and could
eliminate the need for
a dermatologist visit to
diagnose the disease.TRAINING FOR SURGERY
S
urgery is tough on the body. Even minor pro-
cedures carry the risk of complications such as
shock or infection. Besides choosing an experi-
enced surgeon, recent research suggests that training
for surgery may be the best way to avoid these issues
and recover faster. “You wouldn’t run a race without
preparing,” says Michael Englesbe, MD, a transplant
surgeon who started a preoperative program at the
University of Michigan. “An operation is as physi-
ologically hard” as running a 5K, he explains.
The program, which includes about an hour a day
of walking, helped reduce the length of hos-
pital stays by 31 percent. Similar programs
add other therapies. Together, they offer
tips for starting your own regimen two
to six weeks before surgery:1
Read up on your procedure to
help mentally prepare for what
recovery will be like.2
Learn relaxation techniques
such as prayer or meditation
to cope with any pain, stress, or
depression you might have.3
Breathe in through your nose
deeply, hold for five to ten sec-
onds, then let your breath out slowly
through your mouth. Do this several
times a day to prevent respiratory
issues such as a partial lung collapse.
If you smoke, quit before surgery,
even if it’s only for a few weeks.4
If you’re not exercising daily, walk
at least a few minutes every day.5
Being dehydrated or
malnourished increases the
chance of delirium. Drink plenty
of water and eat nutritiously.Reader’s Digest News from the World of Medicine
44 june 2019 | rd.com
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