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Before talking about the benefits of the fecal occult blood test, it is worth remembering the risk factors that increase the probability of suffering from this type of cancer . Some of them are not modifiable, while others are. Let's get to know them in detail:
Have a diet high in animal fats and do not consume fruits, vegetables and fiber.
In people without risk factors, that is, the general population, screening for early diagnosis with the fecal occult blood test is performed from the age of 50; while in people at high risk of colorectal cancer, studies and follow-ups are carried out in specific consultations for this level of risk .
Fecal occult blood test: how is it performed?
Colon cancer screening is performed through a test that, as we Osicent 80 mg (Osimertinib) mentioned, is called “fecal occult blood test” (FSBT) and is indicated for the target population of this disease ( men and women aged between 50 and 69 years old ). On the other hand, people with familial cases and hereditary components are also considered a high-risk population; However, the test that is recommended is screening with colonoscopy.
The goal of TSOH is to help detect microscopic amounts of blood in the stool, a signal that, if positive, could indicate the presence of a premalignant or malignant lesion. The test can be done at home, since it involves collecting feces using a swab.
Stool sample collection
The target population receives a letter to participate in the screening program and collect a kit that will help them carry out the collection . The steps to do it correctly are as follows:
To guarantee a correct result through the fecal occult blood test, it is advisable to avoid performing the test during active bleeding , for example, if you have menstruation or hemorrhoids. Likewise, the kit containers should not be used if they exceed the indicated expiration date.
In short, the TSOH is a simple, painless and non-invasive test that can be performed at home. However, it is important to clarify that colon cancer is not diagnosed through it.
Analysis and interpretation of the results
The analysis of the results of the fecal occult blood test begins by identifying the presence of blood, a signal that may be due to benign pathologies (such as hemorrhoids), premalignant or malignant ( colon cancer ). If positive, other diagnostic tests are performed, such as a colonoscopy, to find the source of the bleeding and detect or rule out the presence of a tumor.
In the case of receiving negative results (no presence of blood in stool), the patient must repeat the TSOH in a period of 2 years, since the colon cancer screening program is biennial .
Benefits of the fecal occult blood test
The main benefit of TSOH is that it can save lives by identifying the presence of blood in the stool sample in time. In addition, it is a test that, as we mentioned before, is quick, simple and any patient can perform it at home.
The results of the fecal occult blood test show that it is an excellent way to help diagnose cancer early and treat it from its initial stages , when the possibility of survival is high.
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