Can a blood test reveal if you will die in next 5 years?

SCIENTISTS say they may be able to predict if you will die in the next five years from a simple blood test.

The claim comes after scientists say they have found a marker in the blood that detects an abnormality that can hint at a range of serious conditions such as cancer and chronic heart disease and can predict a risk of early death.  

A team of international researchers collected data on over 6,000 men aged between 45 and 69 from 1997-1999. They were then followed until 2015 to see if they had passed away and the markers in the blood more closely analysed.

Known as IL-6, the marker proved to be a more accurate measurement than previous older methods and was the strongest predictor of death within five years.

The researches claim studies on biomarkers is progressing quickly and is crucial for future treatment targets and to shape future research. It is hoped that if these abnormalities in blood can be detected early enough then preventive treatment can be carried out.