LONDON: Coming soon: A simple blood test to detect lung cancer, say scientists.

An international team, led by Dr Samir Hanash of the Hutchinson Center in Seattle, claims it is one step closer to being able to spot lung cancer before the onset of symptoms.

“Developing a blood test to detect lung cancer is increasingly within reach,” the ‘Daily Express’ quoted Hanash as saying.

Previously undiscovered protein molecules in the blood of sufferers could be key to developing the test — an alternative to invasive diagnostic methods. The molecules, initially discovered in mice, were found to be similar in humans, says the team.