Canadian Researchers Work on DNA Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer

Canadian researchers expressed hope that a new screening test under development based on DNA changes may ultimately be 98 percent effective in detecting colorectal cancer.

The National Research Council's Institute of Biodiagnostics in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is working on the test in which stool samples are examined for changes in genetic markers that are the hallmarks of colon cancer and the precancerous polyps that are precede it.

Similar tests are under development at several research centers in the United States.

For over a year, stool samples have been tested from Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre, the Canadian researchers said.

"We still very much in the study phase of the program but we're progressing," said Institute spokesperson Val McPherson. He said researchers expect it will be between three and five years before the new test is available.

Other sources: Canadian Press