Colorectal Cancer Screening Validation Study

Altered Gene Expression in Colorectal "Smears" of Individuals With Colon Cancer

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the gene expression patterns from colorectal mucosal cells collected through the use of a standard anoscope and cytology brush. Patients will include those scheduled for routine colonoscopy procedures and those with confirmed colorectal cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• willing to provide informed consent
• greater than or equal to 50 years of age
• patient is scheduled for routine colonoscopy procedure or colorectal cancer surgery
• subject is willing to provide colorectal mucosal sample for gene expression testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• recent radiation or treatment for gynecologic, prostate or rectal cancer
• recent surgery for anal rectal disease
• polys, family or self history of cancer (control group only)
• GI disease
• any mucosal disease or systemic condition that may confound the scientific interpretation of the gene expression results