Immunochemical fecal occult blood test

This test helps to detect the presence of adenomatous polyps (benign tumors that are potentially precancerous) and colorectal cancer. People who should undergo a colonoscopy can thus be identified.

Large polyps and colon cancers release small amounts of blood into the intestine, but these amounts are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Screening for traces of blood in the stool using the immunochemical technique detects these very small traces of blood, with no interference from medications or food intake. Repeat tests on a regular basis (every two years), combined with follow-up colonoscopy if blood is found in the stool, can successfully prevent the onset of colorectal cancer.

It is estimated that out of every 1,000 people who take the iFOBT screening test, 36 will have a positive stool blood result (3.6%).

If these 36 people have a follow-up colonoscopy:

• 4 will have colorectal cancer
• 17 will have one or more polyps
• 15 will have neither polyps nor cancer

During the colonoscopy, polyps are removed to prevent them from developing into cancer.