Can full blood count tests detect cancer?

[funnygirl98]

I had my full blood count and thyroid function tested and both were normal. Can full blood counts detect certain cancers?

[Fishmanpa]

I had my full blood count and thyroid function tested and both were normal. Can full blood counts detect certain cancers?

The simple answer is yes. Otherwise, there can be certain readings, that if off, would warrant further investigation.

Positive thoughts

[toddsmum]

Depends which ones you mean. A full blood count checks cell counts and platelet counts. For most part it's a tool used in conjunction with other things... other test results, symptoms etc...to help get to a diagnosis or decide which other investigations are needed.

If you turn that on it's head though a normal result would indicate everything is okay and no further investigations needed.