A Blood Test Could Detect Bowel Cancer And Help Prevent 15,000 Deaths A Year

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Bowel cancer is becoming the third most common cancer in the UK, and each year, around 15,000 people die from it, according to Cancer Research UK.

But a new development means that further deaths may be preventable after a new combined blood test for bowel cancer was found to detect 85% of cases of the disease.

The simple blood test can also detect 50% of polyps - growths that may one day become cancer - and could be available in Europe from 2015.

BOWEL CANCER: SYMPTOMS
blood in your stools (faeces) or bleeding from your rectum
a change to your normal bowel habits that persists for more than three weeks, such as diarrhoea, constipation or passing stools more frequently than usual
abdominal pain
unexplained weight loss
Source:NHS.UK

Biotech company VolitionRx published their latest results but said research was ongoing.

The standard test used by the NHS is the faecal occult blood test, which works by detecting tiny amounts of blood in stool samples.

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Healthy Foods For Your Gut

Water And Fruit Juices(01 of08)

"These will all help the contents of the gut to stay moist and prevent constipation. All cells function more efficiently when they are properly hydrated," says Karen Poole.

Fresh Coconut(02 of08)

Alice Mackintosh swears by coconut. "Coconuts contain beneficial fats, some of which have been found to help support the immune system in the gut. "Lauric acid in particular has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal actions, helping to fight off occasional stomach upsets. I recommend snacking on fresh coconut fruit which can be bought from many supermarkets."

Kale Chips(03 of08)

A great alternative to crisps, Alice says: "Inflammation in the gut can disrupt its function, and some foods can be quite pro-inflammatory (meat, refined carbs and sugar). "Kale and other green leafy vegetables are anti-inflammatory, whilst also being rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fibre, making them an ideal gut supporting snack."

Fruits And Vegetables(04 of08)

A really good salad for the gut, says Karen is broad beans, rocket and tomatoes. Loveyourgut.com says: "Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, ensuring you have five fruit and vegetables a day can make a big difference to your diet. "Experts believe eating five or more daily servings can help ward off cancer, heart disease and strokes and ideally by eating a wide variety – aim for a rainbow of different colours."

Natural Yogurt(05 of08)

"There are trillions of bacteria living in the gut," says Alice, "and these are a fundamental component of a healthy digestive system. Imbalances in these bacteria can lead to bloating and indigestion, so top up the levels of beneficial bacteria with natural yoghurt. Aim for sugar/sweetener free types, and sweeten with immune supporting manuka honey or berries if you need to."Karen adds: "If you don't want dairy, try soy yogurt with raw oats topped with blueberries."

Apple Cider Vinegar(06 of08)

Alice recommends apple cider vinegar to combat bloating. "It's also very supportive of the digestive system."

Ginger Tea(07 of08)

"Ginger has long been heralded as a gut supporting food, primarily because it can trigger digestive processes and help prevent indigestion and bloating," says Alice. "It has also anti-inflammatory and contains healing anti-oxidants that support the gut structure. Have it fresh in hot water with lemon, or drink it as a tea."

Wholegrains(08 of08)

"Rye bread with sliced avocado and crushed walnuts," is a great combination, says Karen Poole. "Fibre helps the gut to function normally by forming healthy stools and eliminate excess hormones."

The NHS test does not diagnose bowel cancer, but the results indicate whether further investigation (usually a colonoscopy) is needed.

Speaking about the new blood test, Hans Jorgen Nielsen, professor of surgical oncology at Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark, who is working on the research, said: "The 85% detection rate seen in this latest research is on par with rates achieved by faecal occult blood tests.

"If we could improve screening compliance by offering the public a simple, less intrusive test that is just as accurate, we could detect even more colorectal cancer cases in the earlier stages and survival rates could drastically improve."

Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said: "We welcome research into potential blood tests for detecting bowel cancer.

"Over 90% of cases are treatable if caught early, so it's vital that more people are diagnosed at an early stage.

"The aim of finding a diagnostic blood test is an important one and more research needs to be done. We await the results of larger trials of this technique with interest."

Dr Claire Knight, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "Developing a blood test to detect bowel cancer is an exciting idea, but this research is at an early stage and has only been tested in a small number of people.

"The current bowel screening programme involves a test which can be done in the privacy of your own home and is an effective way to cut deaths from bowel cancer, so it's important to be registered with a doctor to receive your invitation when eligible.

"A new, even more effective way of screening for bowel cancer - 'bowel scope' - is being piloted at the moment and should be introduced by 2016 in England."

Bowel scope screening is an internal examination which looks inside the lower bowel.

The aim is to find any polyps which may develop into bowel cancer if left untreated.

Bowel scope screening is currently being piloted in parts of England.

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