A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a simple, do-at-home kit that detects hidden blood in stool—an early sign of colorectal cancer. Quick and non-invasive, it helps with early diagnosis, potentially saving lives.
WORDS DR PRASHANT RAO RAMESH RAO
 FEATURED EXPERTDR PRASHANT RAO RAMESH RAO Family Doctor Alpro Clinic Setia Alam |
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide.
Unfortunately, it often develops without noticeable symptoms… until it’s too late and the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.
What if there is a game-changer, a way to detect colorectal cancer early, from the comfort of your own home?
That game-changer is the faecal occult blood test (FOBT), a simple, affordable, and non-invasive tool that could be the key to early detection and better survival rates.
COMMON RISK FACTORS OF COLORECTAL CANCER
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WHAT IS FOBT?
- The FOBT is a screening test designed to detect hidden or occult blood in the stool, which could be an early warning sign of colorectal cancer.
- The test can identify traces of blood that are invisible to the naked eye.
It is important to note that FOBT is part of a broader colorectal cancer screening program. While it can function as a first-line screening tool, it’s not a definitive test for cancer.
If the result is positive, follow-up tests are necessary to confirm the cause of the bleeding seen in the stool sample.
HOW FOBT IS DONE
Taking an FOBT is straightforward, but the accuracy of the test depends on proper collection and handling.
#1 Get a Kit
- You can obtain an FOBT kit from your doctor, pharmacist, or other appropriate healthcare providers.
- The FOBT kit includes sample collection tools and a secure container.
#2 Collect Your Stool Sample
- Use the provided spatula or brush to take a small sample from your stool.
- Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or water.
| Some FOBTs, like guaiac-based tests, require you to avoid red meat, certain fruits, and certain medications a few days before testing. If you are unsure, it’s a good practice to check and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before doing a FOBT. |
#4 Seal and Submit
- Place the sample in the designated container and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
#5 Receive Your Results
- A trained healthcare provider will review the lab results and guide you on the next steps.
WHAT IF YOUR FOBT IS POSITIVE?
A positive FOBT result means that blood has been detected in your stool.
However, don’t panic! This doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Other conditions such as haemorrhoids, ulcers, colon polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease could also be the culprit.
Therefore, the next step is usually a colonoscopy to determine the cause and, if needed, begin treatment as soon as possible.
WHAT IF YOUR FOBT IS NEGATIVE?
It means that no blood was detected in your stool.
However, this doesn’t guarantee that you are cancer-free. Some tumours or polyps may not bleed consistently, leading to a negative result even when they are present.
This is why regular screening via colonoscopy—typically once a year for individuals over 50 (or earlier for those at higher risk) is still crucial for ongoing early detection of colon cancer or any other abnormalities in the colon.
| As with other cancers, early detection of cancer allows for a much better chances of positive treatment outcome. |
THE BOTTOM LINE
- The FOBT is an accessible screening tool that has the potential to detect colorectal cancer.
- It’s easy to use, cost-effective, and can be done from home.
- While it’s not a definitive test, it plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention.
- If you’re over 50 or have risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
| This article is part of our series on cancer, symptoms, and science-based innovations in detection and treatment of cancer. |
