“In both turkey and chicken, “white meat primarily comes from the breast and wings,” says Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, LD/N, FADA. “White meat is mostly made of white muscle fibers, which the bird uses for quick motions,” adds Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN.  Dark meat refers to the legs, which includes the thighs and drumsticks, notes Pasquariello.  “It contains up to 50 percent red fibers, which are used for movements like standing, she adds.

Whether white meat is “healthier” than dark meat depends on your needs. This includes your health goals, and the nutritional qualities that fit into your overall diet, according to Pasquariello.

“White meat is often considered healthier in certain contexts, because it has fewer calories than dark meat [and] is lower in saturated fat,” explains Wright. This can be beneficial if you need or want to manage your cholesterol or overall fat intake, she adds. White meat is also a good source of lean protein, “making it ideal for those focusing on lower-fat, high-protein meals,” says Wright.”

RealSimple.com (White Meat vs. Dark Meat: Is One Really Healthier Than the Other?)

White Meat vs. Red Meat:

1-White Meat

White meat is best known as meat that is lean, especially in comparison with red meat. The big point about white meat is that its fat content is less in comparison with red meat. Meats traditionally thought of as white (such as veal and even lamb) have been reclassified as red meats. Another advantage to eating white meat over red meat, which is also why health experts recommend it over red meat, is the lower number of calories that it contains. However, the difference in calories between white meat and red meat is not so great that it will absolutely ruin your waistline if you choose to eat some red meat once in a while.

2-Red Meat

Red meat is the victim of stereotypes that have been exaggerated to the point where it is today somewhat stigmatized as a food that is linked to cancer and higher fat and caloric content. While the cancer issue depends on what studies you look at and the higher caloric content is not that much over white meat, red meat does have benefits that white meat simply lacks. For example, the nutrients zinc, iron, thiamine and riboflavin (in addition to vitamins B12 and B6) appear in much greater abundance in red meat. Moreover, red meat is a great source of muscle-building protein as well as being the best source of the antioxidant called alpha lipoic acid. Still, red meat has been the subject of a lot of studies that connect it to health problems beyond cancer, like cardiovascular disease and even arthritis and hypertension.

Which One to Choose:

The bottom line is that no matter which meat you eat, you can guard yourself against health problems if you eat in moderation. While white meat is not tied to as many health problems as red meat is, it does not feature many of the benefits that you get in red meat, such as the vitamins and minerals. So if you want to get a dose of said nutrients, you should eat more red meat, but do so in a way that is only moderate

HERE IS MORE FACTS ABOUT TURKEY:

Because most cuts of turkey provide valuable amounts of protein, turkey is often regarded as a high-protein food. Skinned turkey breast will provide the most protein per serving, at 34 grams in 4 ounces. But you will still get 31 grams from 4 ounces of turkey leg and 21 grams from 4 ounces of turkey thigh.

In addition to protein, however, turkey is also rich in other nutrients. All B vitamins are present in turkey meat, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and choline. (Because the biotin content of turkey meat is sensitive to the turkey’s dietary intake, the amount of this vitamin can vary greatly, with an approximate average of 0.8 micrograms in 4 ounces of turkey breast.) You might get a bit more vitamin B12 in dark meat, but it’s a really small difference Turkey is a very good source for vitamin B3 and provides about 8.5 milligram in 4 ounces, or over 40% of the Daily Value (DV). It’s also a very good source of vitamin B6, at 0.64 milligrams in 4 ounces (32% DV). By providing 22%DV for choline in 4 ounces, turkey also ranks as a good source of this B vitamin.

In terms of minerals, turkey is richest in selenium and provides over 50% of the DV in a single 4-ounce serving. Zinc, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and iron are also provided by this food in amounts varying from 5-15% DV.

All cuts of turkey contain omega-3 fats. However, the content of omega-3s in turkey can vary widely, depending on the turkey’s diet. One of the reasons we recommend pasture-raised turkey is the ability of turkeys to enjoy omega-3 containing plants and insects in natural pasture settings. As a general rule, the most favorable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is found in skinned turkey breast, where the ratio in non-pasture-raised turkey is approximately 10:1. This same ratio is about 13:1 in non-pasture-raised turkey leg or turkey thigh with skin. While there are only a few studies documenting the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in pasture-raised turkey, those studies suggest that pasture feeding can lower the ratio to approximately 7:1. (There are some studies on pasture-raised chickens that show similar results.) Within the omega-3 family of fats, it is possible to get 10-60 milligrams of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from a 4-ounce serving of turkey, depending on the cut and diet consumed by the turkey. DHA is a unique omega-3 fat in terms of its ability to support healthy nerve function.

Protein Richness

When we rank all of our 100+ WHFoods based on their protein richness (how much protein they provide in comparison with their calorie content), turkey ranks first among all of our foods. A 4-ounce serving of skinned baked turkey breast provides about 34 grams of protein and over two-thirds of the Daily Value (DV). With 4 ounces of turkey leg, this number drops just slightly to 31-32 grams of protein. With 4 ounces of turkey thigh, it drops to about 21 grams. In these examples, the protein values are changing from cut-to-cut partly because of the way the turkey moves and uses its muscles, and partly because of the fat content of the various cuts. If the health benefit you are seeking from turkey is focused on protein richness, you’ll probably want to stick with skinned turkey breast as your preferred cut.

Other Health Benefits

Unfortunately, there is not as much research on turkey as there is on chicken, its fellow bird in the poultry category. Several preliminary studies show the protein richness of turkey to be of potential benefit in regulating blood sugar levels as well as insulin metabolism. These findings make sense since adequate protein intake in a balanced way throughout the day can be very helpful in managing blood sugar. In the area of cancer prevention, turkey shows that intake of it is not associated with increased cancer risk in the same way as red meats. However,they simply show that turkey intake does not raise this risk which is still a plus compared to some other foods.

Description

Like chicken, turkey belongs to the bird (Aves) class of animals, and to the family of birds called Phasianidae. While there are many different breeds of turkeys, most of them belong to the same genus and species of bird, namely Meleagris gallopavo. Turkeys are truly native to North and South America – they were not brought to the “New World” by European settlers but were instead discovered to be already present and intimately involved with Native American cultures. Turkeys are relatively large birds that can reach about 30-35 pounds in weight. They can fly short distances at speeds of about 50-55 miles per hour and run at approximately 20-25 miles per hour.  In the flavor department, there are perks to choosing dark meat.

Dark Meat is known for the extra juiciness and tenderness and may make it more enjoyable to some, which could enhance the overall eating experience and satisfaction.

History:

At 2.5 million tons of turkey meat per year, the U.S. is by far the world’s largest producer of turkey. (All countries in the European Union combined produce 1.75 million tons.) Smaller amounts of turkey are produced in Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean. At about 450,000 tons, Brazil is the largest turkey producer in South America.

In the U.S., we consume an average of 16.5 pounds of turkey per person per year. That about is about one-quarter of our chicken consumption.

According to the National Turkey Federation, about 20% of all turkey (just over three pounds per person) is consumed on Thanksgiving Day, Gobble Gobble Day.

How to Select and Store cooked turkey through the blog thekitchentoday.com:

It’s worth taking special care in the selection of turkey! Several aspects of turkey selection will help you maximize your health benefits from this World’s Healthiest Food. First, we recommend the purchase of fresh turkey. Technically, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines allow use of the word “fresh” only when turkey has never been stored a temperature below 26°F (-3°C). (Otherwise, the term “frozen” or “previously frozen” would be required.) Additives like sodium erythorbate, MSG, and salt are not allowed on fresh turkey, and that’s a major health advantage for you.

Storing the turkey safely in 2 hours after it was out 2 hours maximum after cooked:

Refrigeration is the first step to storing cooked turkey safely. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, all leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. This prevents bacteria growth that can occur if food remains in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

Once your meal is finished, make refrigerating the turkey a top priority. Don’t leave it sitting out for longer than two hours. If any portion of the turkey is still warm when you’re ready to refrigerate, it’s best to divide it or store it into smaller shallow containers so it cools down faster. A large, deep container of warm turkey will take a long time to fully chill in the center, allowing bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.

Always use clean, covered containers for refrigerated leftovers. This prevents contamination and keeps the turkey moist. Glass or plastic containers all work well. For especially large amounts like a whole leftover turkey carcass, you may want to loosely tent foil over the container to allow air flow.

While refrigeration preserves turkey for several days, freezing extends the shelf life for months. Well-wrapped frozen turkey remains safe to eat indefinitely, though quality slowly declines over time. For best flavor and texture, try to eat frozen leftovers within four months.

When freezing turkey, divide it into meal-sized portions so you can thaw only what you need at one time. Freezing in a single block will make it hard to separate pieces. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, foil or place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn which can dry out the turkey. Label each package with the date and contents.

Freeze the turkey as soon as possible after refrigerating. Don’t wait more than four days with turkey in the refridge!

The sooner it’s frozen, the higher the quality will remain. Portions of turkey freeze well for use in casseroles, soups, sandwiches and other recipes. Even leftovers like homemade gravy and stock can be frozen.

Proper thawing is essential for food safety Never thaw turkey leftovers on the counter, Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature The safest method is thawing in the refrigerator, Place the frozen turkey in a rimmed dish to catch drips and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or up to two days. For quicker thawing, you can run cold water over the frozen turkey in a water-tight bag or container. Change the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed. Cook immediately after thawing. Don’t refreeze thawed turkey.“

“Before head out to the store with your Christmas dinner grocery list, make sure there’s room in your fridge for it. Clear out lingering leftovers, unopened beverages, nearly-empty condiment bottles and other bulky items to make space. This is especially important if you’re planning on preparing any sides or desserts in the days before Christmas.

Be sure to set your menu and create the guest list well in advance. You can even get a head start on the meal itself. Christmas cookies freeze well, as do make-ahead dishes like mashed potatoes. It’s likely that there will still be some day-of surprises (like when your niece shows up with her new boyfriend), but prepare as much as you can.

Prep the oven. From dozens of cookies to a delicious dinner roast, your oven is going to go into overtime over the holidays. Make sure it’s in tip-top shape by giving it a good clean and recalibrate it to ensure the temperature is accurate. That way none of your goodies will turn out under- or overcooked.

Christmas dinner is not the time to try a brand new recipe, so save the croquembouche for another snowy day. Sticking to simple, classic dishes that you already know how to make will boost your kitchen confidence. These traditional Christmas recipes are sure to fit the bill.

Have a pre-dinner glass of wine, but don’t over-indulge. Alcohol gives you the illusion of feeling more relaxed, but in reality, it’s throwing you off your game. Drinking while cooking is not only dangerous, but more likely to result in major mistakes, like a burnt ham. Instead, sip on some of these festive cocktail recipes.

There is no shame in picking up a bag of rolls from the grocery store bakery or opening a jar of gravy. Not every menu item on your table needs to be made from scratch. Before you start cooking, evaluate your menu and determine what elements can be bought pre-made, then head to the store ASAP!

If Christmas traditions have become a source of stress instead of joy, consider scaling back. Remember, you don’t have to make 20 different types of cookies—just pick your family’s favorites.”

Taste of Home (12 Tips for Cooking Christmas Dinner So It’s Stress-Free | Taste of Home)

Remember Safety for all!

   Bacteria

Plan a “bacteria-free buffet” with these easy tips for food safety when entertaining.  Bon appétit!

Entertaining is one of the mainstays of the holiday season — and helps commemorate milestone events throughout the year, too. With proper preparation, you can be creative and tempt your party guests with an array of fun platters while still keeping food safety in mind!

Size Matters

If you’re planning a buffet at home and are not sure how quickly the food will be eaten, keep buffet serving portions small.

• Prepare a number of small platters and dishes ahead of time, and replace the serving dishes with the fresh ones throughout the party.
• Store cold back-up dishes in the refrigerator and keep hot dishes in the oven set at 200 °F to 250 °F prior to serving. This way, your late arriving guests can safely enjoy the same appetizing arrangements as the early arrivals.

Take Temperatures

Hot foods should be kept at an internal temperature of 140 °F or warmer.

• Use a food thermometer to check. Serve or keep food hot in chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays.
• Be aware that some warmers only hold food at 110 °F to 120 °F, so check the product label to make sure your warmer has the capability to hold foods at 140 °F or warmer. This is the temperature that’s required to keep bacteria at bay!
• Eggs and egg dishes, such as quiches or soufflés, may be refrigerated for serving later but should be thoroughly reheated to 165 °F before serving.

Chill Out

Cold foods should be kept at 40 °F or colder.

• Keep cold foods refrigerated until serving time.
• If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than 2 hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.

Keep It Fresh

Don’t add new food to an already filled serving dish.

• Instead, replace nearly empty serving dishes with freshly filled ones.
• Be aware that during the party, bacteria from people’s hands can contaminate the food. Plus, bacteria can multiply at room temperature.

Watch the Clock

Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Discard any perishables left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, unless you’re keeping it hot or cold.

• If the buffet is held in a place where the temperature is above 90 °F, the safe holding time is reduced to 1 hour.
• Watch the clock with leftovers, too! Whether you’re sending “doggie bags” home with guests or are saving them for yourself, leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as guests arrive home and/or within 2 hours!

Adapt “Old Family Recipes” Safely

Some of your favorite traditional recipes may call for raw or lightly cooked eggs. These may include homemade Caesar salad dressing, ice cream, custards, rice pudding, chocolate mousse, eggnog, and some sauces.

However, some raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria. These can be particularly dangerous when consumed by those at higher risk for foodborne illness – such as pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those who may have a weakened immune system because of organ transplants or diseases like diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.

Help keep your party guests safe by adapting your favorite egg containing recipes (or substituting prepared products for some items) by doing the following:

• Add the eggs to the amount of liquid called for in the recipe, then heat the mixture until it reaches 160 °F on a food thermometer.OR
• Use store-bought products of the foods listed above, which are often already cooked or pasteurized. (Check the label to be sure.)
• Purchase pasteurized eggs. These eggs can be found in some supermarkets and are labeled “pasteurized.” Here are several types consumers can buy:
  • Fresh, pasteurized eggs in the shell (found in the refrigerator section).
  • Liquid, pasteurized egg products (found in the refrigerator section).
  • Frozen, pasteurized egg products (found in the frozen food section).
  • Powdered egg whites (found in the baking section).

Allstate’s latest Holiday Home Hazards poll found that a vast majority—91% of Americans—agree they can reduce risks associated with fires, accidents and theft during the holiday season through their own attention and action. More than half of those surveyed also guessed correctly that fire and theft risks are higher during the holiday season, indicating that they are aware of the increased risks and the need for vigilance this time of year.

And yet, 62% say that they are not paying any more attention to these risks.

Whether hosting or attending a holiday party, Americans should be vigilant in protecting themselves—or their friends—against some ugly holiday accidents.

Hard to believe but during the holiday season, 17% of Americans say they’ve experienced a stolen or missing valuable when attending a holiday party.

Hosts should also be diligent about cross-contamination and food poisoning risks when serving food to their guests. While hosts may spend hours preparing a delicious holiday meal, it can quickly be ruined if the food becomes spoiled. Staying aware of the temperatures of the foods and dips at a holiday buffet spread, washing foods properly, and making sure that cross-contamination does not occur during food preparations can help make the holiday party happy and healthy this year.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly—safely! While hosting a holiday party comes with making the home festive, taking the proper precautions while doing so can help hosts avoid costly and dangerous outcomes.  Unchecked smoke detectors can cause people to miss important alarms when a fire breaks out in a home, quickly turning a holiday party into a holiday disaster.  Before the holiday coming up, Allstate recommends installing new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (with fire extinguishers and not expired).

Allstate recommends that shoppers don’t advertise their shopping trips or gift purchases on social media.  Whether it is checking into a store or using a geo-location services, travel plan updates, or even uploading photos while at a holiday party, people who publicize their whereabouts and activities on social media can unknowingly give today’s “digital thieves” insights into the contents of your trunk, the times you’re away from home and the gifts hidden in your closet.

No matter how good the deals are that consumers find this holiday season, avoid publicizing purchases on social media.

Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.

1. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
3. Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
4. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
7. Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
8. Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
9. Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
11. Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
12. Eat healthy, stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

“What do trees, shrubs, grasses, green plants, parks, beaches, open fields, and flowering gardens have to do with your mental health? Just about everything, according to an extensive review of the scientific literature supporting the benefits of exposure to natural settings.

The review data, collected and analyzed by researchers Charles Hall and Melinda Knuth at Texas A&M University and published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, supports the notion that living in or near green spaces, and spending as much time as possible in both natural settings and cultivated gardens, can improve mood, reduce the negative effects of stress, encourage physical activity and other positive behaviors, improve cognition, reduce aggression, and enhance overall well-being in people of all ages under many different circumstances.

Specifically, the researchers found that people who surround themselves with plant life and other forms of natural beauty, indoors and out, experience emotional and mental health benefits that have a positive impact on their social, psychological, physical, cognitive, environmental, and spiritual well-being,”

Psychology Today (11 Ways Plants Enhance Your Mental and Emotional Health | Psychology Today)

Food is as much a part of holiday gatherings as football, decorations and caroling. This holiday season, keep food safety in mind every step of the way, including proper planning, safe shopping, working in the kitchen and wrapping up leftovers.

Regarding the people being the host and hostess cooking the meal for the holiday remember this:

Christmas grocery shopping

For fresh turkey, you need to cook it no later than two days after buying. If you are buying it in person, bring the turkey home as quickly as possible in a separate cool bag. Store your turkey in the bottom of the fridge away from other cooked foods and fresh produce to avoid cross contamination.

What size turkey?

In buying, storing and defrosting your turkey, here is helpful advice for dealing with birds of all sizes in the run up to Christmas. If defrosting, it is important to allow at least 24 hours for every 4/5 lbs (2/2½ kg) of weight. If in doubt, check out turkey defrosting time and tbe calculations listed on the directions of the turkey.

No Matter Vegan food or Meat food, to keep everyone safe follow these steps:

1. When you have cooked food and you are not going to eat it straight away or if there are leftovers after serving, place on a clean plate, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours.
2. Throw away any high-risk food that has been standing at room temperature for more than 2 hours and throw away all food scraps.
3. Remember to use clean dishes and utensils for cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Dividing food into smaller portions and putting it in a shallow dish can help to make it cool more quickly.
5. When you are cooling a turkey or other large bird, removing the legs will help it cool more quickly. It is important that leftover cooked rice is quickly cooled and then refrigerated.
6. Remember not put food in the fridge when it is still hot, because it could raise the temperature of the fridge and allow other foods to get too warm.
7. Never reheat leftovers more than once.
8. Leftovers stored in the fridge should be eaten within three days.

Proper Planning

Make sure your kitchen is equipped with what you need for safe food handling, including two cutting boards (one for raw meats and seafood and the other for produce and ready-to-eat foods), a food thermometer, shallow containers for storage, paper towels and soap. Store foods in the refrigerator at 40°F or below or in the freezer at 0°F or below. Check the temperature of both the refrigerator and freezer with an appliance thermometer.

Safe Shopping

It’s important to keep food safety in mind as you shop. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruit, vegetables and bread. Embrace fruits and vegetables that are oddly shaped but don’t purchase bruised or damaged produce, or canned goods that are dented, leaking, bulging or rusted, as these may become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Choose cold foods last and bring foods directly home from the grocery store. Always refrigerate perishable foods, such as raw meat or poultry, right away.

Working in the Kitchen

In a holiday kitchen filled with family and friends, all hands may be on deck, but are those hands clean? Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly with clean, running water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food.

And when baking delicious holiday treats, remember that no one should eat raw cookie dough or brownie batter.

“Early cancer screening blood tests like the Galleri and TruCheck tests represent a significant advancement in cancer detection, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially better outcomes.

The TruCheck test is another innovative blood test that can detect over 70 types of cancer by identifying Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream. This test is designed to catch cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms arise, making it potentially more treatable. The TruCheck test requires only a single blood draw and can provide insights into the presence and location of cancer if detected.

This trucheck test does early Cancer Screening via a blood test that is a thorough check for the existence of cancer in your body, identifying which type of cancer(s) you have, and from which organ they have originated. TruCheck’s tests have been validated across cohorts of over 40,000 patients.”

Thyme (TruCheck™ | Early Cancer Screening | Blood Test)  and Coyne Medical (Trucheck™: Empowering Early Cancer Detection through Advanced Blood Screening – Coyne Medical)

An accurate diagnosis is very important to choosing the best care plan for you. It can confirm if you have cancer, or another disease with similar symptoms.

Doctors use the results of many tests to diagnose the type of cancer. They also find out the stage of the cancer, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) diagnoses cancer using many new technologies that were developed or improved here. We’re always researching ways to diagnose cancer with greater accuracy so we can improve cancer treatment results.

A pathologist is a doctor who uses a microscope to make a diagnosis. Pathologists are sent a sample of cells or tissue, which they examine under a microscope. The record of their exam is called a pathology report. Your care team uses this pathology report to make a correct diagnosis. Working together, your care team and you will choose the best treatment plan for you.

MSK has19 teams of experts that interpret lab tests for cancer. Our pathology department processes about 2,000 tissue samples every workday. MSK’s pathology teams write more than 170,000 reports a year.

MSK’s pathology department uses the latest technology and most advanced diagnostic methods. It has developed new technology and tests that describe a cancer with far better accuracy. MSK’s methods give more exact descriptions of a cancer’s stage (how far it has spread) and tumor type.

The pathology report has information that helps your care team recommend your best treatment options. The report has a diagnosis based on your sample, with details about any cancer cells.

The report includes information about:

• If there is cancer cells present or not.  If there is cancer they are able to tell the attending oncolog The type of cancer.
• Whether the cancer has metastasized (spread).
• Whether the cancer is invasive. This is cancer that spread past the layer of tissue where it started and is growing into nearby healthy tissue.
• How deep the cancer has spread into nearby healthy tissue.
• The cancer’s staging, which describes traits such as the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread.
• Whether the cancer has hormone receptors or other tumor markers.

Types of Blood Tests for Cancer Detection

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures various components of blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets. Abnormal levels can indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma, but it is not specific to solid tumors. 
2. Tumor Marker Tests: These tests look for specific substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. Common tumor markers include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer.
• CA-125 for ovarian cancer.
• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colorectal cancer.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver and testicular cancers. 

3. Multi Cancer Detection (MCD) Tests: These innovative tests, such as the Galleri test, can detect multiple types of cancer from a single blood sample by analyzing DNA fragments released by tumors. They are designed to identify cancers early, even before symptoms arise. 
4. Proteomics-based Tests: Recent studies have shown promise for blood tests that analyze proteins in the blood to detect various cancers. These tests have demonstrated high sensitivity in identifying early-stage cancers.  Proteomics-based plasma test:  One 2024 research study found that a new blood test may show promise for the early detection of 18 different types of cancer. (Proteomics is the study of cell proteins and how they work.) In this study of 440 individuals, the test detected 93% of Stage I cancers in males and 84% of Stage I cancers in females. Researchers need to run more studies, but this blood test could become a standard for cancer diagnosis.While deaths from cancer are diminishing in the United States, cancer incidence is on the rise. Routine cancer screenings are a critical way to detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Simply put, early detection saves lives. Our comprehensive cancer screening programs at Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine make it easy for you to start your own cancer screening routine, to gather valuable insights about your health risks and lead to the best possible outcomes. With the latest technology and a multidisciplinary team of NewYork-Presbyterian specialists, we offer a diverse array of cancer screenings that help you to proactively manage your health.