Suggested technique for fecal occult blood testing and interpretation in colorectal cancer screening

Article Abstract:

The American College of Physicians has presented technique and analysis guidelines for using fecal blood samples as a screening test for colorectal cancer. Three consecutive bowel movement samples should be analyzed using a re-wetted guaiac-based test. Patients should avoid certain foods and over-the-counter medications before testing. Patients with positive test results should receive further colon and rectal examinations, preferably with colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. Routine testing seems advisable for patients found with cancerous growths. A negative fecal test does not necessarily mean there is no cancer.

Blood, Blood chemical analysis

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Using risks to tailor screening for colorectal cancer

Article Abstract:

Doctors developed and tested a health risk assessment that predicted which people might have a low risk of intestinal polyps in the upper part of the colon. These people would only need to have a sigmoidoscopy rather than a colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy only examines the lower part of the colon whereas colonoscopy examines the entire colon. Both procedures are used to diagnose colorectal cancer.

Health risk assessment, Intestinal polyps, Sigmoidoscopy

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