Why do I need a fecal occult blood test?The National Cancer Institute recommends that people get regular screenings for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. The screening may be a fecal occult test or another type of screening test. These tests may include:A stool DNA test. For this test, you can use an at-home test kit to take a sample of your stool and return it to a lab. It will be checked for blood and genetic changes that may be signs of cancer. If the test is positive, you will need a colonoscopy.A colonoscopy. This is a minor surgical procedure. You will first be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Then a health care provider will use a thin tube to look inside your colonThere are advantages and disadvantages to each type of test. Talk to your health care provider about which test is right for you.If your provider recommends a fecal occult blood test, you need to get it every year. A stool DNA test should be taken every 3 years, and a colonoscopy should be done every ten years.You may need screening more often if you have certain risk factors. These include:A family history of colorectal cancerCigarette smokingObesityExcessive alcohol use
