It sounds silly but imagine if doing a colourful poo could save your life? Canadian researchers from McMaster University have created a non-invasive test to check for colorectal cancer and it involves glowing poo!
This innovative way to check for cancer is less confronting for those who do not wish to undergo invasive or “embarrassing” methods. Over 16,000 Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with bowel cancer this year so this screening could relieve the stigma around being tested if introduced in Australia.
Currently, the Faecal Occult Blood Test is the most well-researched type of test used to detect bowel cancer, however it can be a slightly unpleasant process, although it is non-invasive.
Biochemist Dr. Yingfu Li and gastroenterologist Dr. Bruno Salena are leading the testing of the glowing liquid and believe if a more simpler test is provided, people may be more receptive.
If colorectal cancer is caught early, it’s 90 per cent treatable, so is this glowing test something more people would try if it means early detection? The current at-home tests can trace tiny amounts of blood however they can produce false positives in some cases. With the new test, it will be much more effective, relieving those who have had those invasive tests (such a colonoscopy), only to find out they have the all clear.
As we age it is important to be on top of our bowel health as the bowel can become unhealthy quite quickly. If you have blood in the existing sample, it may be from other areas of your body. The new test doesn’t use blood traces from the stool, instead it detects a special enzyme found in the DNA of those who have colorectal cancer, therefore it will give a definitive and quick result.
Australians are recommended to be tested once every two years after 50 – would you prefer this glowing test to the one that is currently available? Tell us your thoughts below.
