Bowel cancer test can predict its return

Some bowel cancer patients will be spared the ravaging effects of chemotherapy thanks to a breakthrough genetic test that can predict whether their cancer is likely to return.

The Mercy University Hospital in Cork is the first hospital in Europe to involve patients in a study using the test which will help doctors decide whether to include chemotherapy as part of their treatment.

“No one wants chemo and no doctor wants to prescribe it unless the benefits outweigh the risks,” said Dr Derek Power, consultant oncologist at the Mercy and lead researcher in the study.