Stool Tests For Colorectal Cancer

Test Overview

A stool test is one of many tests used to look for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. Stool tests look for signs of blood or cancer in a stool sample.

Stool tests include:

• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
• Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT).
• Stool DNA test, also called FIT-DNA.

Blood in the stool may be the only symptom of colorectal cancer. But not all blood in the stool is caused by cancer. Other conditions that can cause blood in the stool include:

A stool test is one of many tests that may be used to screen for colon cancer. Other tests include sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography. Which screening test you choose depends on your risk, your preference, and your doctor. Talk to your doctor about what puts you at risk and what test is best for you.