Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bowel Cancer Screening
The Importance of the FIT Test
Bowel cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Learn how the simple, at-home FIT test can identify early warning signs and when you should consider private screening with GastroLife
Understanding Bowel Cancer and Why Screening Matters
Bowel (colorectal) cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland — but also one of the most treatable when detected early. The challenge is that symptoms often appear only after the disease has progressed.
That’s where bowel cancer screening plays a vital role. Screening can detect traces of blood in your stool long before you would ever notice symptoms yourself. Detecting and treating bowel cancer early significantly improves survival rates and can prevent the development of more serious disease.
What Is the FIT Test?
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a simple, non-invasive stool test that detects tiny amounts of blood in your bowel movement. These amounts are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
This blood can come from a number of sources, such as:
- Small polyps in the bowel (which may later become cancerous)
- Inflammation or ulcers
- Early-stage bowel cancer
The FIT test is much more advanced than older stool tests because it detects human blood (not from diet) specifically from the lower bowel.
Who Should Consider a FIT Test?
The FIT test is suitable for both men and women, typically aged 40 and over, or for anyone who:
- Has a family history of bowel cancer
- Has noticed changes in bowel habits, such as unexplained diarrhoea or constipation
- Experiences abdominal discomfort, bloating, or unexplained fatigue
- Wants peace of mind through routine private screening
- Recommended by their doctor
Even if you feel completely healthy, early screening can be lifesaving. Bowel cancer can develop silently over years, and early detection gives you the best chance of successful treatment.
What Does a FIT Result Mean?
- Negative: No blood was detected — this is reassuring, but regular screening is still recommended every 1–2 years.
- Positive: Blood was detected — this doesn’t always mean cancer. It may be caused by haemorrhoids, inflammation, or other benign conditions, but follow-up investigation (usually a colonoscopy) is advised to find the cause.
Your FIT test result should always be discussed with a healthcare professional such as your GP who can guide you on the next steps.
How the Test Works
- Order your FIT kit online from GastroLife.ie.
- Collect a small stool sample at home following the enclosed instructions.
- Return the sample to the laboratory using the pre-addressed envelope.
- Receive your results securely within approximately 10 working days.
The entire process is private, and easy to complete from the comfort of your home.
