Catch Colorectal Cancer Early by Getting Regular Fecal Occult Blood Tests
- By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter
Increase colorectal cancer detection through recommended screenings advised by Health Protection Agency
Ensure your gut health and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer - grab a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) today! According to the Health Promotion Administration (HPA), nearly 870,000 people took advantage of government-funded colorectal cancer screenings in the first five months of this year.
Why, you ask? Colorectal cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in Taiwan, with 17,643 new cases reported by the HPA in 2022. Although it primarily affects those aged 50 or older, the incidence rate in people aged 45 to 49 has seen an steady increase.
Expanding eligibility to 870,000 people this year, the HPA now offers FOBTs to individuals aged 45 to 74, as well as those aged 40 to 44 with a family history of colorectal cancer. Turbocharged by this initiative, the number of screenings jumped roughly 43.57% from the previous year.
The Magic of Fecal Occult Blood Tests
FOBTs allow early detection of hidden blood in the stool that's not visible to the naked eye. This often signifies the presence of precancerous polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer. By catching it early, you can increase your chances of effective treatment and cancer prevention.
But that's not all - there are other compelling reasons to get an FOBT:
- Convenience: Most FOBTs are easily performed at home and don't require pre-testing dietary or medication adjustments. Let's face it - you don't want to alter your lifestyle for a screening!
- Sensitivity: FOBTs like the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) are more sensitive and specific than other stool tests in detecting blood associated with potential cancer.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to more intrusive procedures like colonoscopy, FOBTs are generally less costly for initial screening.
- Reduced risk: Frequent FOBTs can help lower the risk of developing advanced colorectal cancer by identifying and eliminating precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.
- Complementary Screening: FOBTs can work in tandem with other screening methods, such as colonoscopy, for supportive monitoring.
But remember, a positive FOBT result needs to be followed up with a colonoscopy for a definitive diagnosis. Although there are conditions besides cancer that cause blood in the stool, regular screening and early detection can make all the difference in battling colorectal cancer!
Time to Pick Up Your FOBT Kit
To get started, simply bring your National Health Insurance card to a contracted hospital or clinic to snag a sample collection tube. Use the provided wooden implement to gather a sample from your stool after a bowel movement at home, then return it for testing. Easy peasy!
Remember to protect your health and take care of your gut by adopting healthy habits and making FOBTs part of your regular health routine. After all, preventing colorectal cancer is far better than treating it!
Science has proven the effectiveness of fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) in early detection of colorectal cancer, a common medical-condition in Taiwan. By catching precancerous polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer, therapies-and-treatments can be more effective and cancer prevention increased. In light of this, it's crucial to incorporate FOBTs into your health-and-wellness routine to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and ensure overall wellbeing.
