Proteins as real-time biological risk indicators: Blood proteins may capture subtle physiological changes and stress responses that precede clinical symptoms, offering a dynamic snapshot of an individual's health trajectory beyond static risk factors like age or BMI.

Limitations and need for integrated assessment: Protein panel predictions are modest and should complement rather than replace traditional risk assessments, emphasizing a multi-dimensional approach to early detection and personalization of healthcare.

Potential to reshape preventive healthcare strategies: If validated, protein-based risk stratification could enable more targeted screening and intervention, which is crucial for managing ageing populations and increasing chronic disease burdens globally.