A BLOOD test which may provide an early indicator for bowel cancer is being developed by researchers at Dublin City University (DCU).
Initial findings show that changes in cells that lead to bowel cancer can produce antibodies to fight against it.
The team of researchers at the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute (BDI) at DCU are developing a test which could pick up these antibodies early.
They will trial it with a group of patients over the next 18 months and then with a larger group of patients.
Currently the only applicable test for bowel cancer is a colonoscopy, but that usually happens after the patient presents with relatively advanced symptoms of the disease.
If bowel cancer is found early, the growth is small and can be removed leaving the person healthy, and needing less treatment.
Lead researcher Dr Gregor Kijanka said: “Typically patients who experience the symptoms of bowel cancer may visit their doctor when they have a number of complaints such as a change in bowel habit; passing blood in the stool; feeling of fullness after going to the toilet; or pain in the lower abdomen.”
He said a blood test could determine if they were at higher risk of bowel cancer or in the early stages of the disease.
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Ireland after lung cancer. Some 2,200 people get the disease every year and there are more than 900 deaths.
However, like a lot of cancers, bowel cancer is treatable if caught early. The research is being funded by the Irish Cancer Society.
Head of research Prof John Fitzpatrick said the diagnostic test was not intended to replace a colonoscopy, but rather identify those who need one. He said the research carried out at DCU had the potential to improve the capability and cost-effectiveness of early detection as a viable strategy for reducing mortality from the disease.
