Urine test for bowel cancer in development

A QUICK and easy urine test for predicting bowel cancer risk is being developed by researchers.

People could buy the test in chemists for use at home or take it in to their GP surgery. The test is designed to pick up signs of damaged cells that could one day lead to bowel cancer.

Although only in its early stages, experts behind the research hope it will give a simple “positive” or “negative” result.

Anyone at risk of developing cancer would then be given advice on cutting their risk, such as through eating less red meat, avoiding alcohol or losing weight. The test would not need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis, unlike the current one on the market.

The faecal occult blood test currently used looks for blood in the stools — one of the main indicators of cancerous and pre-cancerous changes in the gut.

The new inexpensive disposable tests will make it easier to detect a cancer risk, said the Open University team behind the research.

A recent survey found 71% of Irish men and 66% of Irish women would not seek help for persistent stomach cramps, and 45% of men and 51% of women would not visit the GP if they suffered recurring gut-related problem. That’s despite the fact 37% of Irish people say they already suffer gut problems.

Nora Cronin of the Irish Cancer Society said problems must not be ignored. She said most people could reduce bowel cancer risk by eating fruit and vegetables, taking exercise and keeping a healthy weight.

The test picks up signs of DNA adducts — abnormal changes that have been shown to be the start of a cancerous cell. The project is being backed by a £50,000 (€68,000) grant from the World Cancer Research Fund.

Dr Maria Velasco-Garcia, from the Open University’s department of chemistry and analytical sciences, is leading the study.

“We are very excited about this piece of research as it will mean more people can be screened before the cancer has started to develop,” she said.

Dr Greg Martin, head of science and research at the cancer research fund, said: “This piece of research could change how we assess a patient’s risk of developing colon cancer.

“It would mean testing for bowel cancer risk could be easier for people. If they are found to be high risk then they can get the right advice on what changes they can make to their diet and lifestyle.

“If the development of the test is successful, it could be a useful weapon in the fight against bowel cancer,” he said.

The research involves people already taking part in a large-scale cancer research fund study on the link between diet and cancer.

Some people in the study were eating large quantities of red meat (about 420g/15oz a day) and it is expected there will be more signs of cell damage in those people.

A World Cancer Research Fund report published in October set out a series of recommendations on cutting risk from all cancers.

This includes maintaining a healthy weight, limiting sugary drinks and alcohol and avoiding bacon, ham, and other processed meats.

People should avoid gaining weight over the age of 21, exercise every day and women should breastfeed their children, said the cancer research fund report.

* The report is online at www.dietandcancerreport.org.