Screening of colorectal cancer by a fecal gas compound analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Although FOBT has demonstrated efficacy in reducing colorectal cancer-related deaths, it has limitations. We explored an innovative and user-friendly screening method using gas sensors installed in toilets. METHODS We developed gas sensors that can be installed in toilets. We conducted a demonstration experiment using these sensors to monitor individuals in their bathrooms. The experiment involved 101 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, 50 colorectal polyp patients, and 90 healthy individuals who were registered and monitored for a week at home. Gas data collected during defecation were analyzed to assess the feasibility of colorectal cancer screening. RESULTS Age and sulfur-containing gas, CH ₄ , and CO ₂ content were significantly higher in the CRC group than in the non-CRC group in a univariate analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the discriminant formula for diagnosing colorectal cancer was 0.859. CONCLUSION A sensor analysis of defecation gas constitutes a promising, novel, and non-invasive approach for CRC screening.