The fecal occult blood test, widely used both in physicians offices and at home to screen patients
Question:
The fecal occult blood test, widely used both in physicians’ offices and at home to screen patients for colon and rectal cancer, examines a patient’s stool sample for blood, a condition indicating that cancer may be present. A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute found that of 15,000 people tested on an annual basis, 10% were found to have blood in their stools. Only these 10% underwent further testing, including colonoscopy , the insertion of an optical-fiber tube through the rectum in order to inspect the colon and rectum visually for direct indications of cancer. Only 2.5% of those having colonoscopy actually had cancer. Additional information in the study suggests that, of the patients who had the fecal occult blood test, approximately 5 out of 1,000 tested negative (no blood in the stool) but eventually did develop cancer.
Create a probability table that shows the relationship between blood in a stool sample and colorectal cancer. Calculate P(Cancer|Blood) and P(Cancer|No Blood).
Statistics Unlocking the Power of Data
ISBN: 978-1118583104
1st edition
Authors: Robin H. Lock, Patti Frazer Lock, Kari Lock Morgan, Eric F. Lock, Dennis F. Lock