Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and means for the early detection of a wide variety of cancers, in humans, which method and means consists of the assay and development of a pattern or fingerprint of severally biologically inert, or inactive polypeptides (or perhaps biologically active peptides) in the blood of humans, e.g.: big-ACTH (big-Adrenocorticotropin Hormone), big-.beta.MSH (big-beta melanocyte-stimulating Hormone), the alpha chain of the glycopeptide hormones, the measurement of the arginine vasotocin (AVT), an analogue of Arginine vasopressin, (AVP) (or the combined measurement of AVP and AVT). The values obtained by the assays of each of the foregoing polypeptids is then compared with the individual values and patterns found in humans. If any one of the polypeptide values is elevated above the upper end of the normal values, a carcinoma from some tumor site is suspected; also from the pattern of elevations in one or more peptides, a specific type of cancer may be suspected.