If a patient receives a positive test result, he/she should make an appointment with their physician immediately. The physican will be able to do diagnostic testing that will determine the source of the fecal occult blood.
A postive test could be caused by many things. A persons diet, medications, and toilet bowel cleaners are only a few of the things that could cause a positive result. However, if the instructions have been followed carefully and a positive result has been obtained, It does no mean that the patient has cancer. ColoCARE, EZ Detect, and Hemoccult test for the presence of blood present on the outside of the stool. Many colorectal disorders could cause blood to be present such as: colitis, fissures, diverticulitis, and hemmorhoids.
Mineral oil laxatives are not a good product to use because they interfere with test results. However, bulk-forming fiber laxatives are a good product. If any lesions are present in the colon, bulk fiber has been shown to increase the bleeding, therefore makeing detection easier.
As with any cancer, colorectal cancer can be fatal especially if it spreads to other parts of the body. It is second on the list of fatal cancers in the U.S. However, if it is detected early, the chances of successful treatment and survival are much better.
Everyone over the age of 40 should test for fecal occult blood and see a physican for a checkup at least once a year. For people over the age of 50, a physican should do a sigmoidoscopy every 3 years.
-Heredity
-Age
-High fat, low fiber diet
-Familial Polyposis Syndrome
-Ulcerative Colitis
-Crohn's Disease