Detecting the Undetectable: Epigenetics in Early Cancer Detection with Dr. Joshua Routh

Recent research from the University of Chicago shows that only 14% of cancers in the U.S. are diagnosed after the patient had a recommended screening test. 57% of diagnosed cancers do not have screening tests and account for 70% of all cancer-related deaths. 86% of cancer cases still go undiagnosed after recommended screenings. ‍16M+ life years saved in the U.S. from early-detection screenings. I don't know about you, but everytime I read those stats, my jaw hits the floor.

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key to saving lives. With 610,000+ cancer deaths in the U.S. each year, most of which stemming from cancer types with no FDA-approved screening options, new technology is making revolutionary strides in detecting cancers that have been previously undetectable in early stages.

There are now new tools intended to be used complementary to established cancer screening assessments. However in some cases, especially for cancer types that have no previously established screening test and are notoriously hard to detect, it may be the only warning sign currently available for providers.

In this week’s episode of the Everything Epigenetics podcast, Dr. Joshua Routh and I talk about just that. We discuss the rising cancer burden and the cutting-edge role epigenetics plays in revolutionizing early cancer detection. Dr. Routh, a molecular genetic pathologist and medical director at Precision Epigenomics, shares insights into how new diagnostics, such as Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests, provide opportunities to catch cancers earlier than ever before. We also explore the technology behind these tests, their impact on patient outcomes, and what the future holds for epigenetics in diagnosing and treating cancer and other chronic diseases.

You'll learn about:
Dr. Joshua Routh’s journey from engineering to molecular oncology.
The alarming statistics behind late-stage cancer diagnoses and why early detection is critical.
Current cancer screening limitations and how epigenomics offers better solutions.
How Multi-Cancer Detection (MCD) tests like EPISEEK work to catch cancer earlier.
The difference between EPISEEK by Precision Epigenomics and Galleri by Grail.
Why test accuracy matters
What to expect if you get a positive cancer result and how recurrence monitoring works.
The broader future of epigenetics in treating conditions like heart disease and neurological disorders.

Chapters:
00:10 - Introduction to Dr. Joshua Routh and His Career Journey
04:48 - The Growing Cancer Burden and Challenges in Screening
09:00 - How Epigenomics is Transforming Early Cancer Detection
13:12 - Multi-Cancer Detection Tests: What Are They?
18:22 - EPISEEK by Precision Epigenomics vs. Galleri: Comparing the Leading Tests
25:27 - Cancer Therapy Resistance and the Role of Epigenetics
35:00 - The Future of Epigenetics in Non-Cancer Diseases
45:00 - Testing Logistics and Understanding Positive Results
55:04 - Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Dr. Joshua Routh

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