Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer. In fact, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

However, when colorectal cancer is detected early and treated promptly, the survival rate can be as high as 90%. Given the importance of early detection, researchers have been working hard to develop new and improved screening tools. And now, a new screening tool is poised to revolutionize the field.

Current Screening Methods

Currently, there are several methods used to screen for colorectal cancer. These include:.

Stool-based tests (fecal immunochemical test, fecal occult blood test, stool DNA test)
Endoscopic tests (colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy)
Radiographic tests (computed tomography (CT) colonography or virtual colonoscopy, barium enema)

Stool-based tests are less invasive and less expensive than endoscopic and radiographic tests, but they are less accurate and need to be repeated more often.

Endoscopic tests are more accurate than stool-based tests but more invasive and carry some risks, such as perforation. Radiographic tests use X-rays to generate images of the colon and rectum, but they also carry exposure to ionizing radiation.

The New Screening Tool: Colorectal Cancer Breathalyzer

One of the most promising new screening tools is the colorectal cancer breathalyzer. This tool uses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath to detect colorectal cancer.

When cancer cells grow in the colon, they produce VOCs that are different from the VOCs produced by healthy cells. The breathalyzer can detect these differences and diagnose cancer at an early stage.

How Does It Work?

The breathalyzer is a small handheld device that patients breathe into for a few minutes. The device then analyzes the breath and provides a diagnosis within minutes.

If the test is positive for cancer, further diagnostic tests, such as a colonoscopy, will be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the cancer.

Advantages of Colorectal Cancer Breathalyzer

The colorectal cancer breathalyzer has several key advantages over traditional screening methods:.

Non-invasive: The breathalyzer is non-invasive and does not require any preparation or sedation.
Painless: The breathalyzer is painless and does not carry the risks associated with invasive tests.
Fast: The breathalyzer provides results within minutes, eliminating the need for waiting and follow-up tests.
Accurate: Early studies have shown that the breathalyzer is highly accurate, with a sensitivity of 75% to 90%.
Cheap: The breathalyzer is also relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to a wider range of patients.

Limitations of Colorectal Cancer Breathalyzer

While the colorectal cancer breathalyzer is a promising new screening tool, there are some limitations that need to be addressed:.

False positives: The breathalyzer may produce false positives, leading to unnecessary follow-up tests and procedures.
False negatives: The breathalyzer may also produce false negatives, causing some cancers to go undetected.
Early stage cancers: The breathalyzer may not be effective at detecting very early stage cancers, when VOC production is still low.
Large polyps: The breathalyzer may not be able to detect large polyps, which may require surgery or other invasive treatments.
Availability: The breathalyzer is still in the early stages of development and may not be widely available for several years.

The Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening

The colorectal cancer breathalyzer is just one of many exciting new screening tools being developed. Researchers are also exploring the use of blood tests, urine tests, and even artificial intelligence to detect colorectal cancer at an early stage.

With these new tools, the hope is that more people will be able to receive timely, effective treatment and that the survival rates for colorectal cancer will continue to improve.