SASKATOON – A Saskatoon-based company has developed a new test to detect colon cancer and it’s as simple as a blood test.
Phenomenome Discoveries Inc. says it’s more accurate than current fecal and stool tests in detecting early stage cancer.
“Colorectal cancer is an extremely treatable disease when detected at early stages, the problem right now is that most colorectal cancer isn’t diagnosed until later stages because people aren’t using the screening tools that are out there,” said Alix Hayden, Phenomenome’s director of operations.
The new test is based on eight years of research and a two-year clinical trial involving more than 5,000 residents.
It screens blood for a chemical linked to colon cancer.
“What we found in those clinical trials is about 86 per cent of people with colorectal cancer have low levels of this chemical in their blood and the chemical is protective against cancer so when it’s low that puts people at risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said Hayden.
But not everyone is convinced at the Canadian Cancer Society.
In a statement, the society said there have not been adequate, properly conducted clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of the new blood test.
Co-founder of Phenomenome John Hyshka says he’s not surprised.
“I suspect that’s what they should be, they should be skeptical of new technologies but we know our test works,” he said.
“Screening tests aren’t intended to be a standalone test so our test isn’t intended to replace a colonoscopy, that’s the gold standard for diagnosis,” added Hayden.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada but only around 20 per cent of the population uses the screening methods currently available.
Phenomenome Discoveries is hoping this new test will change that.
“We have market research that shows that nine out of ten people would prefer a blood test to a fecal or stool test so it’s a really simple way to be screened,” said Hayden.
The Cologic test costs $95 and isn’t currently covered under the health care system.
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