I was asked if there was an ‘everything’ test for cancer. Despite bold claims, no such thing exists | Ranjana Srivastava

For oncologists like me, it would be a different world if we could accurately detect cancer before it metastasised and reassure patients that early intervention saved lives At an academic function, a guest asks what I do and I say, “public hospital doctor”, which seems more benign than “oncologist”. When he asks me to elaborate, his eyes widen as he exclaims, predictably, “Wow, isn’t that depressing?” By now, I have form in explaining that being an oncologist is sobering but not depressing because, in the space between diagnosis and outcome, there is a lot of good one can do – not only through treating the disease but having empathy for the patient. Next he asks if “they” will find a cure for cancer. Thinking of all the hard-working (and poorly paid) researchers, I say there is much to celebrate and much more to aspire to. He nods thoughtfully. We spend the rest of the dinner in companionable conversation but my occupation has been on his mind. Before leaving, he leans towards me. “Can you suggest an ‘everything’ test for cancer?” No such thing, I say, and he looks disappointed. I thought of that conversation when reading about the failure of just the ki