Faecal occult blood test as a screening test for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Screening for colorectal cancer with faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been shown in randomised controlled trials to decrease mortality from this disease. The time has come to implement well-organised FOBT screening of the average-risk population. In order to have a high level of uptake, this program requires a substantial amount of initial planning and resource allocation, including defining roles of the different health professionals, training of the community of general practitioners together with proper education and information of the public on the risk factors for CRC and the alternative screening tools. The strengths and weaknesses of the available FOBT's are discussed and arguments are advanced to their use for screening in the average-risk population.