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The American College of Gastroenterology has recommended the abandoning of gFOBT testing as a colorectal cancer screening tool, in favor of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). [3] The newer and recommended tests look for globin, DNA, or other blood factors including transferrin, while conventional stool guaiac tests look for heme.
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a diagnostic technique that examines stool samples for traces of non-visible blood, which could potentially indicate conditions including bowel cancer. [1] Symptoms which could be caused by bowel cancer and suggest a FIT include a change in bowel habit, anaemia, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Either the patient or medical professional smears a small fecal sample on to the film. The fecal sample is obtained by catching the stool and transferring a sample with an applicator. Digital rectal examination specimens are also used but this method is discouraged for colorectal cancer screening due to very poor performance characteristics. [10]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a blood test screening for colorectal cancer that has an over 83% success rate at detecting the presence of this form of cancer.
In addition to screening, colonoscopies can be used as a diagnostic tool—such as when symptoms of colorectal cancer are present blood in the stool, weight loss, and a change in bowel habits.
In the U.S., screening is recommended for healthy adults ages 45 to 75 at average risk for colon cancer. Frequency depends on the test: a routine colonoscopy is every 10 years.
The M2-PK Test is a non-invasive screening method for the early detection of colorectal cancers and polyps which are known to be the precursors of colorectal cancer. The M2-PK Test which is used for stool analysis is available either as fully quantitative ELISA Test or as a rapid test that can be performed by any general practitioner without the need of a laboratory or any additional equipment.
The annual rate of U.S. colon cancer screening is nearly 60%, well short of the 80% of age-eligible adults goal set by the American Cancer Society and other groups.