Determination of stool CEA level as a new screening test for large bowel cancer: preliminary study

ABSTRACT

The level of carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] in stool and serum was determined in 31 patients with pathologically proven adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum, and 25 control subjects. The level of stool CEA in patients with large bowel cancer was significantly greater [P < 0.0001] than that of the control group. Confirmation and clarification of this finding would form the basis of a simple, specific and sensitive screening test for colorectal cancer