Final answer:
Routine testing for stool blood typically begins at age 50, unless individual risk factors necessitate earlier screening. Methods include fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy, the latter of which can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients over 40 should discuss routine testing for stool blood with their healthcare providers, as the need for screening can depend on individual risk factors, including family history of colorectal cancer. Screening for fecal occult blood is generally recommended to begin at the age of 50; however, if there are additional risk factors present, a physician may recommend starting earlier.
There are various methods for colorectal cancer screening including fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, and DNA tests for cancer cells in the stool. If a fecal occult blood test is positive or if there's a high risk for colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is often advised. This procedure not only allows for the detection of cancer, but it can also be therapeutic by enabling the removal of pre-cancerous polyps.