Local lab launches non-invasive screening for colon cancer

A local laboratory has launched a new non-invasive screening test for colon cancer.

Atlantic Diagnostic Labs unveiled the Polyp-DX test to its clients.

It looks for signs of polyps - small growths hiding in the colon that can, over time, become cancerous.

"The clinicians that helped develop this test thought there's got to be a way to sense that in that long hibernation period, detect them, then go in and remove them," said Reg Joseph, MTI, Inc. CEO.

"We're able to find these small markers that the body has for various diseases," said David Chang, MTI, Inc COO.

The Polyp-DX test checks urine for waste products made by the polyp cells.

Colonoscopy - a visual check of the colon, is the traditional way to look for the growths.

Many people shy away from it because it's more invasive.

But developers of the new simpler test hope it will encourage many more people to get screened.