Diagnosis of asymptomatic colorectal cancer using a stabilized guaiac test (Hemoccult) for detecting occult blood in stools: Preliminary results

A screening sequence is proposed that begins with testing of occult blood in stools (Hemoccult) for detecting colorectal cancer. Two thousand and seven hundred subjects considered to belong to groups at risk were contacted; 1.876 (67%) handed back the completed test. A positive 'Hemoccult' test was observed in 48 patients (2.5%), all of whom were submitted to further examinations according to the screening sequence. Carcinoma of the large bowel was detected in five patients, villous or tubulo-villous polyps in four initial malignant degeneration (carcinoma in situ) being observed in one. It is concluded that the guaiac test (Hemoccult) is reliable, acceptable and may be useful as a screening test for colonic neoplasms.