Screening for bowel cancer

Alternative names:

fecal occult blood home test; stool guaiac home test

How the test is performed:

Because the type of tests available vary in procedure, follow the instructions that are included with the test. For all types of tests, take 3 stool samples from consecutive bowel movements. This may take more than 1 day.

Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.

Use the collection stick that comes with the kit to spread a thin layer of the stool sample on the marked paper test area. There are 2 test areas. Use the second area for a sample from a different place of the same stool. Repeat this for the 2 other collected samples.

If the kit contains a developing solution, after you collect the specimens, turn over the packet and open the development area. Add 2 drops of the solution to the test areas. Wait 30 to 60 seconds, then read the results. It is important not to wait any longer than 1 minute to read the results because the color may begin to fade. If you have difficulty with color vision, have another person read the test.

If the kit does not contain a developing solution, write your name and the date on the packets and mail them to the health care provider within 4 days.

How to prepare for the test:

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and bran-containing cereal or bread (unless they are known to cause problems). The increase of roughage will help cause the cancers to bleed so that the test will detect them. Avoid red meats, turnips, radishes, or horseradish since they can cause a discoloration that is misleading on the test. Avoid iron supplements, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications or other medicines that are known to cause stomach irritation and bleeding.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal bowel activity, and there is not discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

The test it used to detect bowel cancer. The earlier that cancer is detected, the better chance there is to cure it. It is recommended that after the age of 50, both men and women should do the test once a year.