Occult blood testing for detection of asymptomatic colon cancer

Abstract

Twelve cases of “silent” colon cancer were analyzed. With one exception all had at least one of three stool specimens which was guaiac‐positive. To facilitate multiple stool testing, we made use of commercially available guaiac‐impregnated slides. Most of the patients followed a meat‐free high residue diet during the 4‐day period of stool collection. In a 3Vi‐year period, over 900 routine adult patients were tested. Five per cent were guaiac‐positive, and they were each given a barium enema examination. One per cent of the entire group proved to have asymptomatic colon cancer; two per cent had diverticulosis, and one per cent had non‐malignant polyps. We believe that every adult should have this screening test annually.