Persons with blood in their stool may have a cancerous growth indicative of colorectal cancer. The test requires collection of three stool samples that are examined under the microscope for the presence of blood. It is important to understand that when blood is present in a stool sample, it can be due to other non-cancerous factors such as certain medications or foods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or hemorrhoids. Pap smears are samples of cells taken from the cervix to look for cellular changes indicative of cervical cancer. The Pap smear is an important screening test to detect cancer at a stage when the disease is often without symptoms.
Antigens are any substances that evoke responses from a person's immune system.
The prostate specific antigen levels can be elevated in the presence of prostate cancer. Consult your physician regarding other types of screening tests, based on your medical condition, as not all healthcare providers are in agreement with regards to which screening tests should be performed, and for which age groups. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this web. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx. All Rights Reserved.