Researchers studied 19 previous studies and discovered the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is able to detect 79% of colon cancer tumors. It is also effective at ruling out colon cancers, without more invasive testing.
Doctors researched medical studies from 1996 to 2013 to study the effectiveness of FIT. A total of 19 studies were examined, and each study included between 100 and 28,000 people with no colon cancer symptoms. According to their findings, among people who did not have colon cancer, 94% tested negative.
This is great news for colon cancer testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 132,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010. About 52,000 people died from colon cancer in the same year. Colon cancer is considered the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Doctors recommend individuals, with average risk factors, begin colon cancer screening at age 50. Several options are available, including a yearly FIT stool test in conjunction with your annual physical. If results are positive, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is scheduled. During the colonoscopy, if anything is found amiss, it can be dealt with immediately.
However, speak with your doctor about your personal risk factors and which test is your best choice. Remember, you CAN get a second opinion if your doctor disregards your concerns. You have the right to demand proper care. Your life could depend on it.
Why don't you pick up the phone and schedule a physical right now?
Check out our colon cancer screening page for more information about the various tests available. For more information on what happens during a colonoscopy, check out our blog post.
Sign up for our newsletter and get our top 10 tips for colon cancer prevention! Visit our website and subscribe now!
source: http://www.universityherald.com/articles/7271/20140203/less-invasive-stool-test-can-identify-most-colon-cancers.htm
