Faecal occult blood test. The test that saves lives.

Considered to be one of the best tests used in the early diagnosis of bowel cancer, it is estimated that 90% of these cancers would be cured if they were detected earlier.

This test is completed through taking a stool sample, making it the most commonly used test in the majority of countries due to its precision and affordable price. It is recommended for men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 and would detect bowel cancer in its early stages as well as pre malignant lesions such as rectal adenomas, most of which would treated during the colonoscopy if needed.

The test can either have a positive or a negative result.

If it is a positive result, a colonoscopy or an endoscopic study of the colon would determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant. If it is a negative result, then a colonoscopy would be repeated two years later, depending on the country where the screening takes place.

Eventhough the test is normally advised for people over the age of 50 there are exceptions where it is advised to be conducted in earlier ages, such as in patients that have family members suffering from bowel cancer or those with adenomatosis in their families.

Guaiac has been frequently used when detecting hidden blood in faecal occult blood tests however immunology has recently taken its place. Whilst three stool sample and patients where advised in the types of food that they were allowed to eat prior to the test, there is no need with an immune test as only one sample is taken without a needed for special measures.

It worth highlighting that certain medications such as aspirin, can give false negatives just like menstruation in women and the presence of haemorrhoids or fistulas.

Lastly, it is worth saying that the test is offered from the ages of 50 to 74 in Europe, Scotland and Wales however this test is offered for patients over the age of 60 in England and Northern Ireland, a fact that has triggered controversy, as people aged 50 are not scrutinised.

The cost should never be an excuse in early prevention especially when it is cheap and saves thousands of lives in the countries where the test can be provided.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus