Receiving a positive Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) result can feel alarming, especially if you’re not experiencing any noticeable symptoms. However, a positive result does not automatically mean cancer.
Instead, it’s a sign that a further checkup is needed—and taking action early can make a real difference.
What Is an FOBT and Why Is It Important?
An FOBT is a simple screening test used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which may not be visible to the naked eye. This hidden blood can be an early indicator of conditions affecting the digestive tract, including colorectal polyps, inflammation, ulcers, or colorectal cancer.
The Difference Between FOBT & Fecalysis
FOBT | FECALYSIS | ||||
Purpose | Detects hidden (occult) blood in the stool | Provides a general analysis of stool content | |||
What it checks: | Tiny amounts of blood that may come from the gastrointestinal tract |
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Common use: |
| Diagnosing intestinal infections, diarrhea, or digestive problems | |||
Sample Collection |
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Globally, FOBT is an important tool in preventive care. In countries like Japan, it is a regular part of routine health checkups, especially for adults in nationwide colorectal cancer screening programs. By helping detect potential problems early—often before symptoms appear—FOBT has improved early diagnosis and survival rates.
Because colorectal cancer often develops silently in its early stages, FOBT serves as a valuable first step in identifying risks early—when treatment options are more effective and less invasive.
Understanding a Positive FOBT Result
A positive FOBT result means that blood was detected in your stool sample. This finding indicates that there may be bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but it does not confirm a diagnosis on its own.
Several conditions can cause a positive result, including:
- Benign polyps
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Colorectal cancer
The key takeaway is that a positive FOBT signals the need for further diagnostic testing, not panic. Your healthcare provider will typically recommend additional procedures to identify the source of bleeding and determine the appropriate next steps.
Symptoms May Appear Before FOBT Detects Blood
While FOBT is designed to detect hidden blood, it’s important to note that some symptoms may appear even before blood is identified through screening. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they persist.
Examples include:
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of stools)
- Persistent abdominal discomfort or cramping
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
For individuals whose FOBT results come back positive, a Colonoscopy is often recommended. This procedure allows docto
rs to directly examine the colon and rectum, identify abnormalities, remove polyps if present, and perform biopsies when necessary. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for confirming findings suggested by FOBT and ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
Book Your Colonoscopy at Shinagawa Diagnostic
As part of our mission to provide Japanese-standard health services, FOBT is included in all of Shinagawa Diagnostic’s health checkup packages.
Considering that colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading type of cancer among Filipinos, we place strong emphasis on guiding and supporting patients whose FOBT results come back positive. Our approach ensures that patients are well-informed, properly evaluated, and carefully guided toward appropriate next steps to help prevent further complications.
Furthermore, our medical team has also undergone specialized training in colonoscopy with Japanese medical experts, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality diagnostics, patient education, and compassionate care.