The detection of asymptomatic colorectal cancer.

The classic symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer (change in bowel habits, weight loss, melena or a palpable abdominal mass) signify advanced disease. Improvements in survival rates have not occurred in the last 15 years because the majority of patients have metastases at the time of surgery. Asymptomatic patients are detected by routinely screening stools for occult blood. If practiced routinely, this technique will improve survival statistics by identifying patients and instituting treatment at an earlier stage of disease.