What are the screening methods? There are various methods of screening for colorectal cancer.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) The FOBT is a simple, self-administered test that can be done in the privacy of your own home. It can detect the presence of trace amounts of blood in your stool. A positive test result doesn’t necessarily mean that you have colorectal cancer but does require follow-up to find out if you do have colorectal cancer. Approximately 10% of people with a positive FOBT are found to have cancer during a follow-up colonoscopy. It is recommended that everyone 50 years and older should be screened with an FOBT every two years. Colonoscopy A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of your rectum and colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on the end. It is recommended for individuals at increased risk, such as those who have one or more close relatives (parent, sibling or child) who had colorectal cancer and those with a positive FOBT result.
