THE FIT TEST
The FIT test is provided by the HSE between the ages of 59-69 and only every 2 years. Outside this age range, or if there was any concerns within the 2 year period, testing kits can be ordered from our website.
WHAT IS THE FIT TEST
FIT stands for faecal immunochemical test. This is identified as a screening test for colon cancer. The test looks for the presence of blood in the feces of the patient. Studies suggest that it is an effective screening test for colorectal cancer. The main aim of carrying out a FIT test is to screen for colon cancer at an early stage where it can be cured well.
⇒ As per the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, the following criteria must be met for a FIT test recommendation:
The patient is over 50 years of age and has reported unexplainable weight loss or abdominal pain.
The patient is 50-60 years of age and experiences iron-deficiency anemia or significant changes in bowel habits.
The patient is 60 or above and has anemia (with or without iron deficiency).
The American Cancer Society recommends that people with increased risk of bowel cancer may need to start bowel cancer screening before the age of 45.
HOW IS THE FIT TEST PERFORMED
Small quantity of stool is collected using the sample stick provided, and sent to the laboratory for analysis. If anything unusual is found during the analysis, one is recommended to carry out further testing. The presence of blood can be an indicator of polyps, inflammatory bowel conditions, hemorrhoids, or bowel cancer. Polyps however are usually not dangerous, but there is little possibility of them developing into cancer later on.
The most frequently asked questions regarding FIT are discussed below:
BLOOD DETECTED IN STOOL SAMPLE
If blood is present in the stool sample, it does not necessarily mean that you have bowel cancer, since bleeding can be caused by something else like piles. Therefore, if the test returns a result detecting blood in your stool sample, it is recommended your doctor performs additional tests like a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy test involves passing a thin tube attached with a camera into one’s rectum to check for signs of colon cancer. Undertaking the FIT test alongside other screening methods can detect colon cancer early when it is easily treatable.
Research shows that FIT is an effective, authentic, and frequently used test to screen for colorectal cancer. It is true that blood in faeces may be the only symptom of early colon cancer, however, it doesn’t confirm the diagnosis.
BLOOD NOT DETECTED IN STOOL SAMPLE
This means that the test did not identify any traces of blood in the stool sample. It is recommended to undertake another screening test in two years if you still will be under 75 years.
CAN HEMORRHOIDS LEAD TO A POSITIVE TEST RESULT
Yes, hemorrhoids can lead to a false positive FIT result. According to a study published in the Yonsei Medicine Journal, the presence of hemorrhoids can lead to GIT bleeding which is picked up by the FIT test.
WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS CAN GIVE A POSITIVE FIT TEST
As already mentioned, different conditions can cause rectal/intestinal bleeding that may give a positive FIT result. Some of these include:
⇒ Intestinal Polyps. According to a study, intestinal polyps can cause rectal bleeding which may lead to a false positive FIT report.
⇒ Hemorrhoids
⇒ Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IS FOBT THE SAME AS THE FIT TEST?
Faecal Occult Blood Test or FOBT is similar to Faecal Immunochemical test (FIT) as it also tests the presence of blood in the faeces. However, there are some differences between both the diagnostic tests that are mentioned in the following table:
CONCLUSTION
Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a cancer screening test that detects small quantities ofblood in the faeces. Rectal/intestinal bleeding may be the only sign of early-stage colorectal cancer. The test is highly specific for lower GI bleeding and is frequently used as part of the national screening program for diagnosing colon cancer.
