MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) -- Researchers at Kansas State University say they've developed a blood test that can detect some cancers in their earliest stages.

The test was developed by chemistry professor Stefan Bossmann and anatomy and physiology professor Deryl Troyer. It can detect breast cancer and the most common type of lung cancer before symptoms start. The researchers expect that testing designed to detect pancreatic cancer will begin shortly.

Troyer says the test would be most helpful to people with an increased cancer risk because of such factors as a family history of the disease.

The researchers hope that people in at-risk groups could be tested periodically by their own doctors. Positive results would prompt diagnostic imaging.