Questions to Ask the Patient
What is your age?
The American Cancer Society reccommends routine screening for colorectal cancer
at age 40 with an annual digital examination, and persons age 50 or over
should have an annual stool guaiac test and an initial sigmoidoscopy.
Have you ever suffered from any bowel disorders?
Certain conditions increase the risk of colorectal cancer, while others
may interfere with test interpretation.
Has anyone in your family had colorectal cancer?
A positive family history is a risk factor.
Are you taking any medications, prescription or nonprescription?
It is important to identify anything that might affect or interfere with
the test.
This information was taken directly from Fecal Occult Blood Testing for Colorectal
Cancer. AMERICAN PHARMACY October 1992;NS32(10):50-3.
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