Fecal occult blood test in colorectal cancer screening

J Dig Dis. 2019 Feb;20(2):62-64. doi: 10.1111/1751-2980.12712. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Cancer screening is known to decrease mortality from CRC. One important test for CRC screening is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which includes guaiac FOBT and fecal immunological tests. In this review we discussed the development and application of the FOBT in CRC screening.

Keywords: colorectal neoplasms; early detection of cancer; fecal immunochemical test; fecal occult blood test; mass screening.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
  • Guaiac*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Tests / methods*
  • Indicators and Reagents*
  • Occult Blood*

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Guaiac