Blood test can reveal cancer of colon
Hopkins study finds procedure is nearly colonoscopy's equal
By Chris Emery
SUN REPORTER
Originally published June 20, 2007
Johns Hopkins researchers are developing a simple blood test that can help doctors determine who needs a colonoscopy, a screening procedure for colon cancer recommended for all adults over 50 - but one considered so unpleasant that many avoid it.
The new test, which looks for cancer-related proteins in the blood, identifies colon cancer and precancerous polyps almost as well as a colonoscopy, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Research.
The authors say their test won't replace colonoscopies but might provide a noninvasive means of identifying high-risk patients - and an incentive for them to undergo the more invasive procedure.
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