New DIY test that can spot bowel cancer even earlier
New do-it-yourself test that can detect colon cancer even earlier
- The home test analyzes a stool sample to examine the DNA of a tumor
A new home test for colon cancer can detect the disease in its earliest stages and potentially save lives.
It analyzes a stool sample to examine the DNA of a tumor, rather than looking for signs of blood, as current tests do.
Blood often only appears later in the disease, which is diagnosed again in over 40,000 people a year in the UK.
Patients perform the test at home and send the sample to a lab to test for colon cancer, which has a survival rate of more than 91 percent if detected early. According to Cancer Research UK, one in 15 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
A new home test for colon cancer can detect the disease in its earliest stages and potentially save lives (File image)
The test analyzes a stool sample to examine the DNA of a tumor, rather than looking for signs of blood – as current tests do (File image)
The cause is not always known, although obesity, a family history and a diet high in processed meats but low in fiber are risk factors.
The three main symptoms are blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain.
A bowel cancer screening program is available on the NHS for anyone aged 60 to 74.
This includes a home test kit to collect a stool sample, which is sent to a lab and checked for small amounts of blood.
Blood can be a sign of colon cancer, as well as polyps — noncancerous growths that can turn into cancer over time.
However, studies suggest that about 7 percent of colon tumors do not bleed, meaning they may not be identified in time.
The new test, developed by Germany-based Mainz BioMed, targets the cancer’s DNA, which the company claims appears in the stool much earlier than in the blood.
Similar to current home testing, this involves collecting small samples that are then tested in a lab for DNA found only in colon cancer cells and abnormal polyps.
Millions of cells from the gut are thrown out through the stool every day. By analyzing their DNA, it is possible to distinguish between normal cells, precancerous cells (cells that are likely to become cancerous) and cancerous cells.
Colon cancer begins with the genetic mutation of cells in the gut, and the new test looks for several genetic mutations known to cause cancer.
Research published in 2019 in the journal Clinical Laboratory, based on about 600 people, found that the test was 85 percent accurate in detecting people with colon cancer.
Current blood-in-stool tests are 75 to 80 percent effective, but generally catch the disease at a later stage — when it can be more difficult to treat.
Dr. John Mason, gastroenterologist consultant at Trafford General Hospital in Manchester, said: ‘Anything that improves the accuracy of screening will save more lives and reduce unnecessary colonoscopies, which is welcome.
“This is just the beginning of our journey using DNA to detect cancers. I’m sure this is the first of many technological improvements we will see in the coming years.
“That said, the most important thing is that people get involved and send samples if invited. The biggest stumbling block at the moment is non-participation.’