Colorectal Cancer Screening with the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

What is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?

The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a simple, non-invasive test that checks for hidden (occult) blood in your stool. It is a non-invasive
way to screen for colorectal cancer, as the presence of blood in the stool may indicate polyps or cancer in the colon or rectum.

Why is FIT Important?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers but is highly treatable if detected early. FIT helps identify early colorectal cancer, often before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Who Should Take the FIT?

Adults aged 50-74 are recommended to undergo regular screening, and those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, such as inflammatory bowel disease or smoking, may need to start earlier.

How to Prepare for the Test

One advantage of the FIT is that no special preparation is required, allowing you to take the sample yourself, with no dietary restrictions or medication adjustments needed unless advised by your healthcare provider.

How the test is performed?

Collection: You will receive a kit with detailed instructions to collect a small stool sample at home.
Handling: Follow the instructions to ensure accurate sample collection and to avoid contamination.
Submission: Return the sample to your health care provider, a Lancet Laboratory depot or a participating pharmacy as soon as
possible.

Understanding Your Results

Negative Result: No blood was detected. Continue routine screening as advised by your healthcare provider. Positive Result: Blood was detected. This does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. Additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended to determine the cause.

What Happens After the Test?

Follow-Up: If your result is positive, see your doctor to discuss further testing options, such as a colonoscopy, to investigate the cause of the bleeding. · Routine Screening: Even with a negative result, regular screening is recommended for ongoing health monitoring.

Benefits of FIT

Early Detection: Helps identify colorectal cancer early when treatment is more effective. · Convenience: Easy to perform at home without any dietary or medication restrictions. · High Accuracy: More specific for human blood, reducing false positives.

Limitations of FIT

Not Diagnostic: A positive result does not confirm cancer but does indicate the need for further testing. · False Negatives/Positives: While highly accurate, no test is perfect, and FIT may occasionally miss some cases or give false alarms.

Screening through FIT is an important step in preventing and detecting colorectal cancer early. Talk to your healthcare provider about your screening schedule and stay proactive about your health.

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Colorectal Cancer Screening with the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

What is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?

Why is FIT Important?

Who Should Take the FIT?

How to Prepare for the Test

How the test is performed?

Understanding Your Results

What Happens After the Test?

Benefits of FIT

Limitations of FIT

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