There's encouraging news for the millions of Americans at risk for
colon cancer. A new, easy-to-use fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is
available for at-home screening and is designed specifically to detect
colon cancer at its earliest stages.
Hemoccult ICT is a new, safe and affordable FOBT screening option for
colon cancer-the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the
United States. Despite its high incidence, colon cancer is a highly
treatable cancer, with a 90 percent survival rate when detected early.
Unfortunately, only half of the more than 80 million Americans over age
50 have been screened for colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening with a FOBT for
both men and women beginning at age 50. Annual colon cancer screening
with FOBT has been proven to decrease mortality by 33 percent when
compared with no screening. Because colon cancer can take three to 10
years or longer to develop in the average patient, it is important to
begin screening prior to developing symptoms.
FOBT vs. Colonoscopy
For years colonoscopy has been the most well-known test in colon cancer
screening. While widely regarded as the gold standard, colonoscopy does
have some drawbacks:
• Colonoscopy costs between $300 and $1,000, and while covered by
insurance for many, millions of Americans lack health insurance.
• Standard colonoscopy can be overwhelming for some people due to the
fact that the procedure is usually done under sedation, and because
patients are required to follow a special diet and take a very strong
laxative before the exam.
• Due to a limited number of trained professionals and the equipment
needed to perform the tests, the maximum number of colonoscopies that
can be performed in the United States each year can accommodate only a
quarter of the Americans in need of screening.
Unlike other available FOBTs, the new Hemoccult ICT has no drug or
dietary restrictions-allowing people to begin testing at their
convenience. If a test comes back positive, a follow-up colonoscopy
typically is recommended.
