Milburn noted that genetic research helps diagnose patients early and increases the use of preventive medicine.

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Though the project still has a long way to go, it has already helped develop a test to diagnose the early stages of the disease.

ECONOMIST: Alzheimer's disease

Failure to diagnose breast cancer early, she said, could make all the difference between it being treatable or non-treatable.

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GPs need to be given the tools to recognise allergic disease early and know how to diagnose and manage it or at least know when to refer on.

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In recent experiments carried out by Chiara Conti and other members of Dr Bensimon's team, molecular combing was used to identify a genetic defect responsible for cancer of the kidney, which is notoriously difficult to diagnose in its early (and therefore treatable) stages.

ECONOMIST: Let��s get this straight

In October, the American Academy of Pediatrics set up new guidelines to help pediatricians recognize the early signs of autism, in order to diagnose the disorder and get children into treatment as soon as possible.

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In early August, Russia media reported that doctors in Moscow were being told not to diagnose heatstroke as a cause of death.

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It added that it can be difficult to diagnose measles because many of the symptoms are similar to other viral illnesses particularly in the early stages.

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