What is the FIT Test for Bowel Cancer?
The FIT (faecal immunochemical test) is a non-invasive screening test for bowel (colorectal) cancer. It detects hidden blood (occult blood) in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.
Who Should Take the FIT Test?
It is recommended for people aged 50-74 as part of routine bowel cancer screening.
Those with a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors may need screening earlier.
It is also used when patients experience symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or rectal bleeding.
What Does the Procedure for FIT Test for Bowel Cancer Involve?
The FIT test for bowel cancer screening is a simple, non-invasive test done at home to detect hidden blood in stool. The process begins with receiving a FIT test kit, which includes a small test tube with a stick or brush, instructions, and a return envelope. No special preparation, dietary restrictions, or medication adjustments are required. To collect the sample, the individual passes stool into a clean, dry container or uses plastic wrap over the toilet to avoid contamination with urine or water. Using the provided stick or brush, a small stool sample is taken and placed into the test tube, which is then securely closed. The sample is then mailed to a designated laboratory for analysis.
Results and Interpretation
If the test result is negative, no blood was detected, but regular screening is recommended (usually every 1-2 years). A positive result means that blood was detected in the stool. This does not necessarily mean cancer but warrants further investigation, usually a colonoscopy to check for cancer or polyps.
Advantages of the FIT Test for Bowel Cancer
- Helps in early detection of bowel cancer when treatment is most effective
- Non-invasive (no need for a colonoscopy unless results are positive)
- Easy to do at home
- No dietary or medication restrictions before the test
- More sensitive than older faecal occult blood tests (FOBT)