New Stool Test Detects Most Colorectal Cancers Without Colonoscopy

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:36:00 +0200

Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a groundbreaking method for detecting colorectal cancer using stool samples, potentially reducing the need for invasive colonoscopies. By applying advanced machine learning to map the human gut microbiome at the subspecies level, scientists identified subtle microbial patterns linked to colorectal cancer. Their model successfully detected 90% of cancer cases, a rate comparable to colonoscopies and significantly better than other non-invasive tests. This approach analyzes the intermediate subspecies of gut bacteria, capturing functional differences that may contribute to cancer while remaining consistent across different populations. The method not only provides a more comfortable and cost-effective screening option but also opens doors for broader microbiome research, allowing scientists to investigate how gut bacteria influence a wide range of diseases. Clinical trials are planned in collaboration with Geneva University Hospitals