Taz, thats why Im interested in the new M2PK test as it doesnt only detect bleeding tumours. The below is from the Schebo Biotech website.
The currently most commonly used test for bowel cancer screening is the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). As it simply recognises blood in the stool the test is non-specific for colorectal cancer. In addition, only bleeding colorectal tumors - if any - are recognised. The largest study conducted so far on this subject is the American Veterans Association study in which a total of 2885 participants underwent total colonoscopy. The result was that only 23,9% of those participants with advanced neoplasia had a positive faecal occult blood test.
The M2 PK Test is a totally new approach for bowel cancer screening tests. Previously, only non-specific tests for blood in the stool could be used to give an indication of an existing bowel cancer or its precursors. With the new ELISA method for Tumor M2-PK in the stool it′s now possible to detect bleeding or non-bleeding bowel cancers, as well as polyps, with high sensitivity and specificity. The test is more accurate because it is not dependent on occult blood.
The main advantages of the M2-PK Stool Test are:
High sensitivity
High specificity
Not dependent on occult blood
Detects bleeding or non-bleeding bowel polyps, especially >1cm
Detects bleeding or non-bleeding bowel tumours
Not affected by specific foods
No special diet required
No false results from haemorrhoids or other sources of blood in the bowel
A single pea-sized sample is sufficient
Ariadne xx