iFOB Home Test Kits, Now Available From DrFuhrman.com
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. It is also the most preventable cancer through early detection and proper diet. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected in its earliest (non-cancerous) stages. Non-cancerous polyps can be detected and easily removed via a colonoscopy many years before they might morph into cancer. Furthermore, the screening for colon cancer need not expose people to radiation or needless surgeries.
The latest tool in the fight against colon cancer is the highly sensitive, stool screening method called
Fecal Occult Blood) tests. This new test can detect even a very tiny amount of blood leakage from adenomas polyps, villous adenomas, and dysplastic polyps, thus detecting lesions in the colon before they become cancer.
Medical studies reveal that traditional stool guaiac (hemocult) tests commonly performed by physicians are not sensitive enough to detect very small amounts of blood in the stool and, therefore, are no longer recommended. Colonoscopies are somewhat invasive and only indicated once every 10 years for people over 50. As a result, there are many missed opportunities for early detection and prevention. iFOB tests are sensitive to even minute amounts of blood in the stool and much more accurate than traditional tests. They are non-invasive, convenient and simple to do without dietary restrictions. Learn more.
Dr. Fuhrman recommends annual screening with iFOB tests for people over the age of 50. In addition to detecting early signs of colorectal cancer, the results can indicate a number of gastrointestinal disorders, including:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's
- Diverticulitis or angiodysplasia of the colon
- Non-cancerous polyps
- Occult bleeding of the GI tract from aspirin or other drugs
- Bleeding hemorrhoids or fissures
Since these test kits are not commonly available at doctor offices throughout the country, and it could take years before the mainstream catches up to the science, we are making them available at DrFuhrman.com.
As one of the nation's leading experts in nutritional medicine, Dr. Fuhrman advocates a high nutrient diet-style to dramatically lower the risk of all cancers. In particular, he recommends avoiding these foods to reduce the risk of colon cancer:
- Red & Processed meats (including luncheon, barbequed, smoked, and pickled meats)
- Sugar & white flour
- Other refined & processed foods
Keep in mind, the key dietary strategy for preventing cancer of the large bowel is increasing your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits while decreasing your consumption of animal products and processed foods. The evidence now is undeniable that eating more green vegetables is protective against cancers of the colon and rectum, lung and prostate. Cruciferous vegetables (the cabbage and broccoli family) are simply the most powerful weapon against all forms of cancer and especially colorectal cancer.
The first step to win the war on cancer is to protect yourself . . . . perform annual iFOB screenings, if you are over the age of 50, and Eat For Health!
Read more about how a nutrient rich eating style can fight cancer in
Fuhrman's Healthy Times Newsletter, November 2005