Hemascreen Test
This test is done to determine if you have occult blood in your stool from a premalignant adenomatous or sessile polyp in the colorectal area.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of illness and death in the Western world. In Australia, The United Kingdom and the USA it is the most common cancer in women after breast cancer and in men after prostate and lung cancer. The mortality rate of people with colorectal cancer is between 45 to 50%. Over a lifetime in Ontario, colorectal cancer with affect 1 in 17 people. It is estimated that 2200 Ontarians die each year from this type of cancer. Colorectal cancers arise mostly (70-90%) from adenomatous polyps and the remainder from sessile adenomas. Risk factors are high dietary fat and meat intake, and low intake of fiber, fruits and vegetables. The inherited forms of colorectal cancer account for 6-10% of all colorectal cancers.
The best researched and the only one whose use is supported by randomized, prospective clinical trial data is the fecal occult blood test. Annual or bi-annual fecal occult blood testing is a useful method of reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer due to the early detection of pre-malignant adenomatous polyps.
The Hemascreen Test is recommended for people with any the following:
- Hematochezia, melena, anemia, and change in bowel habits.
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Strep. Bovis bacteremia
- Ulcerative colitis
This test uses a guaiac resin to detect blood, which cannot be seen, as it will react with the iron in the blood to form a blue compound. The guaiac is imbedded into a card to which the stool sample is applied. After developing with hydrogen peroxide, the appearance of a blue color indicates a positive test.