Doctors answer top questions about biomarker testing

The American Lung Association published a new Q&A explaining how biomarker testing works — especially for cancer, but useful for anyone curious about health tracking.

Why it matters

‍Biomarkers show how your body is functioning long before symptoms appear. Think of them as blood fingerprints for conditions like inflammation, hormonal imbalance, or early disease.

The simple version

‍Your doctor can test for dozens of markers using just one vial of blood. The results guide treatment — or help you adjust lifestyle before problems start.

What you can do

Ask your provider for comprehensive panels, not just basic ones. Most chronic issues show up in your blood months before you feel them.

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