Cancer of the stomach and oesophagus is among the world's top five cancers. Survival rates are very poor as the disease presents late and early symptoms are non-specific. The study team has developed a non-invasive test for cancers of the stomach and oesophagus based on the detection of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. These compounds are known to be produced by both cancers as well as cancer associated bacteria within the gut.
The proposed innovation is to improve the accuracy of this test by investigating whether simple metabolic substrates can increase the production of these volatile organic compounds by both the tumour and its associated bacteria.
Aged ≥ 18 years old.
Participants referred from primary care according to the urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines for potential underlying oesophagogastric cancer a for the reference test (described below).
Willing and able to provide informed written consent to take part in study.
Previous oesophageal or gastric resection
History of cancer within three years (other than non-melanoma skin cancers)
Co-morbidities preventing breath collection
Pregnant participants