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Breath methane and colorectal cancer
S M Sivertsen1, A Bjørneklett, H P Gullestad
1Surgical Dept., Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study found no significant association between colorectal cancer and breath methane levels. Methane excretion did not change after tumor resection, and colon cleansing temporarily affected results.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The link between colorectal cancer and methane production in the gut is debated.
- Methane excretion is a known phenomenon in some individuals, but its association with colorectal cancer requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between colorectal cancer and breath methane.
- To determine if methane excretion status changes after colorectal cancer resection.
- To assess the impact of colonic cleansing on breath methane measurements.
Main Methods:
- Compared methane excretion in 59 colorectal cancer patients versus matched controls.
- Monitored methane excretion in 43 patients before and after tumor resection.
- Evaluated methane excretion in 15 individuals undergoing colonic cleansing.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in methane excretion was found between colorectal cancer patients and controls.
- Methane excretion status remained unchanged in patients post-colorectal cancer resection.
- Colonic cleansing temporarily reduced breath methane levels, but excretion resumed within 7 days.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support an association between colorectal cancer and breath methane.
- Colonic cleansing procedures are unlikely to have biased the study's findings regarding cancer association.