They say, “What you don’t know won’t kill you,” but when it comes to hidden blood in your stool, the opposite might be true. Occult blood—blood that’s invisible to the naked eye—can be an early warning sign of serious health conditions, including colorectal cancer which stands out as the most severe.
Colorectal Cancer: A Silent Threat
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Each year, more than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 52,000 die from the disease. This form of cancer often develops without obvious symptoms, allowing it to progress undetected until it’s in an advanced stage.
Regular screening can help identify colorectal cancer early on before it has spread or even prevent it. When caught early, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90%. However, only about four out of ten colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. This shows how important early detection is to safeguarding your health and addressing potential problems before they become life-threatening. Unfortunately, more than 29 million Americans currently are *not* screening for colorectal cancer.
Why FIT Tests Are a Valuable Screening Tool
The good news is many screening options are available. Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT)–like Reese’s ColoTest–are the preferred annual stool screening method for colon cancer by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Cleveland Clinic. These over-the-counter tests are non-invasive and easy to use, allowing individuals to self-test in the privacy of their homes. ColoTest delivers results as soon as one minute and is 98.8% accurate at detecting blood in stool. If blood is detected, the next step is to contact your doctor, who will likely recommend a colonoscopy.
It is important to note that FIT tests are not intended to replace colonoscopies–the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. Instead, they should be seen as a complementary part of a proactive plan to manage colorectal cancer risk. Regular colonoscopies, combined with yearly FIT tests, can provide a comprehensive approach to early detection and prevention.
Could Hidden Blood Mean Something Else?
Hidden blood in your stool isn’t always a sign of colorectal cancer—it can be caused by other conditions, too. For instance, polyps (small growths in the colon) can bleed and, if not removed, might eventually develop into cancer. Diverticulitis, where small pouches form in the colon wall, can become inflamed and bleed as well.
Other possible causes include Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which lead to chronic inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract. And then there are more common, less worrisome issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These can cause minor bleeding during bowel movements but are usually easy to treat. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to get testing done to rule out more serious conditions and ensure proper treatment.
Take Control of Your Health
Finding hidden blood in your stool is a potential warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. Whether it’s an early indicator of colorectal cancer or another condition, detecting it early can make all the difference. FIT tests are a simple, affordable, and reliable way to screen for hidden blood. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Being proactive with regular screening can help detect potential issues early, ensuring better outcomes and greater peace of mind.
