Colon cancer detection by measuring DNA of cells collected from rectum: A pilot study

Study hypothesis: Cell exfoliation from the surface of colorectal tumours is much more intensive than from normal colorectal mucosa. The hypothesis is that exfoliated cells are transferred to the rectum within mucocellular layer separating colon mucosa from the gut contents, and accumulation of exfoliated cells in cancer patients is much greater comparing to healthy individuals. It is suggested that this phenomenon can be used for colorectal cancer early detection and screening.
Please note that another study closely related to this study has been registered with ISRCTN95403112 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN95403112)
Primary outcome(s): DNA yields from exfoliated materials (DNA scores) are assessed in terms of their predictive value in detecting the presence of serious colorectal conditions (colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease)