Team develops esophageal cancer prediction method using the inside of the cheek

A team of researchers from Kyoto University developed a groundbreaking method to predict esophageal cancer risk by analyzing genetic mutations in cheek cells, offering a non-invasive way to detect the disease early with high accuracy (over 70%). The study revealed that lower alcohol tolerance was linked to increased genetic mutations as alcohol intake rose, while those who processed alcohol well showed no such changes. Participants with esophageal cancer exhibited more mutations than healthy individuals, even at early detection stages. This innovative biomarker provides a more objective and reliable way to assess cancer risk compared to traditional patient interviews.