- Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancer..
- Colorectal cancer screening has reduced cancer incidence since the mid-1980s.
- A new screening test developed in the Netherlands could improve the accuracy of colorectal cancer screening.
A new stool test could improve the detection of colorectal cancer precursors.
That’s according to new information
Dutch researchers say the test they developed is more effective than currently available stool tests at detecting larger polyps.
“Current test performance is good, but there remains room for improvement.” Gerrit Meyersaid the lead researcher at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and co-author of the study in a press statement.
“We want to be able to detect tumors before they become invasive, that is, at the stage of larger precancerous polyps. Then treating physicians can choose to treat the colon instead of surgery. Endoscopy will allow us to remove these polyps,” Meyer added.
The FIT test is a fecal immunochemical test. These are a type of stool test that many countries use in their colorectal cancer screening programs.
These work by detecting the presence of hemoglobin in a stool sample. Hemoglobin is a type of protein found in the blood.
“The big advantage of these stool-based tests is the convenience of being able to test at home. So, overall, these are very convenient and that’s why we’re happy to have them as an option for testing. ” Forasade Mayan associate professor of medicine in the Vache and Tamar Manoukian Division of Gastroenterology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Today’s medical news.
“These tests are actually very good at finding cancer,” added May, who was not involved in the study. “They’re also very good at finding precancerous polyps, which we’re very interested in. But they’re also very good at finding precancerous polyps, which we’re very interested in. It probably won’t be as good as finding polyps. [downside] It’s just that we’re not very good at detecting these precancerous lesions. ”
Researchers say stool tests are more effective than FIT tests at detecting precursors to colorectal cancer, such as polyps. They call this Multi-Target Fit Test (mtFIT).
Their test detects hemoglobin, a protein found in the blood, as well as two other proteins, calprotectin and serpin family F member 2.
Researchers asked 13,187 people to provide stool samples and compared the test’s effectiveness to standard tests. They submitted the samples to both the mtFIT test and the regular His FIT test.
The researchers reported that their test produced more positive test results than regular FIT. Abnormalities were detected in 299 people with mtFIT, whereas abnormalities were detected in 159 people with regular FIT.
“The new test detects larger polyps without significantly increasing ‘false-positive’ results and therefore unnecessary colonoscopies. This is very good news,” Meyer said. he said.
Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately:
The incidence of colorectal cancer is
“Colorectal cancer screening is powerful in two ways,” May said. “First, it helps with early detection, which means finding cancer early enough that it can be cured. But even more powerfully, screening for colorectal cancer can also help detect precancerous lesions. I think it’s a very unique cancer in that, even if you find a precancerous polyp and remove it, the patient won’t be diagnosed with cancer. Imagine having the power of technology to eliminate cancer diagnosis. That’s how we think about the power of colorectal cancer screening.”
In the United States, currently
Although colonoscopy is considered one of the most accurate screening options, it also comes with challenges.
“The problem with colonoscopies is that they are not as accessible as they should be… There simply aren’t enough resources, there aren’t enough people with the basic qualifications to do a colonoscopy. That’s all.” Dr. Babak Firouzisaid a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California. Today’s medical news.
“If we can find a stool test that effectively excludes people who may not need a colonoscopy, then we will provide access to everyone who does need a colonoscopy.” added Firouzi, who was not involved in the study. “And perhaps some people who don’t need a colonoscopy will never have to have one. This new test is really on the horizon. There’s a long way to go, but there’s still a long way to go. We’re not there yet.”
In estimation,
it is
Testing for colorectal cancer is
Experts say the most important thing is to get tested, whether you choose a stool test, a colonoscopy, or another test method.
“Get something done, whether it’s a stool-based test or a colonoscopy. Choose what you’re comfortable with,” Firouzi said.
“So if you feel comfortable getting a colonoscopy and you have access, by all means go for it. If you have access issues or are unsure about having the procedure done, at least get a stool test done. please,” he said.