This can be the most important and encouraging news for the millions of Americans. Now, colon cancer, CRC, at its earliest stages can be detected at home.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States for both women and men, can be detected at home with new, easy-to-use fecal occult blood test (FOBT) which was designed specifically to detect colon cancer at its earliest stages.

Hemoccult ICT is a new, safe and affordable FOBT screening option to help lower the risk for colon cancer.

Despite its high incidence, colon cancer is a highly treatable cancer. When detected in time the survival rate can be over 90 percent.

Although the American Cancer Society recommends annual screening with a FOBT for both men and women beginning at age 50, have been screened for colon cancer. According to the latest statistics only half of the more than 80 million Americans over age 50 have not done the test.

Fortunately it can take 3 to 10 years or even longer to develop in the average patient, and it is important to begin annual colon cancer screening with FOBT which has been proven to decrease mortality by 33 percent when compared with no screening, prior to developing symptoms.

CRC Screening
According to the American Cancer Society, “beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should follow one of these five testing schedules:

- yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)* or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
- yearly FOBT* or FIT plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years**
- double-contrast barium enema every five years
- colonoscopy every 10 years

FOBT vs. Colonoscopy
Although for years colonoscopy has been widely regarded as the gold standard and the most well-known test in colon cancer screening it still does have some drawbacks:

– Colonoscopy costs between $300 and $1,000, and is covered by insurance for only a few millions of Americans when the waste majority lack health insurance.
– Standard colonoscopy procedure is usually done under sedation and can be overwhelming for some people. Additionally 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.

Therefore, if you’re over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon cancer, you should speak with your physician about taking an iFOB test.

As said earlier, the test is simple, takes a minimal amount of time and may help save your life.