Have you been putting off your colon cancer screening?
We get it. Colorectal cancer screening may not be at the top of your to-do list. Maybe you think you’re healthy and don’t need to be screened. Or perhaps you’re uncomfortable with the idea of a colonoscopy.
Still, it’s important to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines, even if you feel healthy. Most people diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer have no family history of the disease. Also, most people don’t experience symptoms in the early stages of this type of cancer.
The good news is that a colonoscopy isn’t the only way to start the colorectal cancer screening process. Depending on your risks, a FIT test may be an option for you. Read on to learn more about what a FIT test is, how it works and if it might be right for you.
What does FIT stand for and how does it work?
A FIT, which stands for fecal immunochemical test, is an annual stool test that’s collected at home. The FIT test procedure analyzes stool (or poop) for the presence of hidden blood that can be a sign of cancer or another gastrointestinal problem.
However, it’s important to know the test doesn’t diagnose colon or rectal cancer. Instead, a positive test signals that something could be going on and a colonoscopy is needed to make sure everything is okay.
When a FIT test may be used as part of colorectal cancer screening
The latest guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society recommend that all men and women start colorectal cancer screenings by 45, or sooner if they have certain risk factors. The best candidates for FIT tests are those who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.
What is considered average risk for colon cancer?
You may be considered at average risk for colon cancer if:
- You’ve never had a colonoscopy that found cancerous or precancerous polyps or tissues
- You have no family history of colon cancer
- You don’t have a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- You have no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- You haven’t received radiation to the belly or pelvic area to treat prior cancer
If you’re not sure about your individual risk factors or whether a FIT test is an option for you, talk with your primary care doctor.
Are FIT tests covered by insurance?
Most of the time, FIT tests are completely covered by insurance, even if you haven’t met your deductible.
How a FIT test supports colorectal cancer screening
Your colon is an important part of your digestive system, which works to process the food we eat and pull out food nutrients. Poop, or stool, is what is left over after digestion is done. And since it travels through your entire digestive track, your stool can hold clues about what’s happening on the inside.
Most colorectal cancer occurs in growths, called polyps, which form on the lining of the colon. While not all polyps are cancerous, the ones with cancer – as well as those that are precancerous – are more likely to bleed. And that blood can end up in your stool.
How accurate is the FIT test?
No test is 100% accurate. A FIT test can only measure what’s in the stool. So, if there’s a precancerous polyp or cancer that’s not bleeding when the test was done, the test won’t be able to detect it. Taking all recommended FIT tests increases the chance that a test will detect hidden blood that could be a sign of colorectal cancer or another condition.
What do FIT test range results mean?
Once your test is complete, you’ll receive one of the following results:
- Normal or negative results
A normal or negative result means there was no blood detected in the stool. - Abnormal or positive results
A positive FIT test means that there is bleeding in your digestive tract. With a positive test, there’s still only a small chance this could mean colon cancer.
What does it mean if a FIT test is positive?
If your FIT test is positive, your doctor will recommend a colonoscopy as the next step to identify what may be causing the bleeding. In addition to colon cancer, other diseases that a colonoscopy can detect include intestinal infections, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
How often you’ll need a FIT test
FIT tests are completed annually, but follow-up testing depends on your results. If you receive a negative FIT test result, you’ll do another FIT test in a year (unless you switch to a colonoscopy).
If you have a positive FIT test, future screening will depend on what your doctor finds during the follow-up colonoscopy. If the doctor finds cancerous or precancerous polyps, it’s often best to stick with colonoscopies going forward. If the follow-up colonoscopy doesn’t find cancers or precancers, you may be able to continue with FIT tests. Your doctor will let you know the follow-up plan that’s right for you.
How to prepare for a FIT test
All you need to do is call your clinic and let them know you’d like a FIT kit, and the testing kit will be mailed to your home.
Beyond that, there’s really no preparation that’s needed. You don’t need to change your diet or medications before the test, but if you have bleeding due to your menstrual period or hemorrhoids, hold off on the test until you aren’t actively bleeding.
How to do a FIT test
A FIT test requires you to collect a sample of your stool and send it in for analysis. Don’t worry. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions with your collection kit. So, make sure to follow those directions when you’re ready to do the test.
Generally, this is a look at what you’ll need to do to collect your sample:
- Flush the toilet right before you need to poop.
- Have your bowel movement.
- Put your used toilet paper into the provided waste bag.
- Move the brush along the surface of the stool and then dip the brush into the toilet water.
- Touch the brush to the test card in the space indicated.
- Put the brush in the waste bag and then throw the bag away.
- Return the sample and requested information to the lab specified on your kit.
- Wait for your results, which you’ll receive within a week or so through a letter or online patient services.
It’s totally normal to feel a little squeamish about collecting the sample. But remember, everybody poops! Plus, you’re doing something important for your health.
The biggest risk with a FIT test is a false negative
Since the FIT test is noninvasive, the test itself doesn’t pose any risks. But it is possible to get a “false negative” result. This means that a precancerous or cancerous polyp can be present in the colon, but the test may still be negative.
Is a FIT test as good as a colonoscopy? No, but it’s a start
A FIT test can’t diagnose colorectal cancer, so it’s not as good as a colonoscopy. But if you’ve been putting off colorectal cancer screening, a FIT test can be a fast, easy way to find out if you need further screening. At the end of the day, the important thing is you start the colorectal cancer screening process.
If you’re not sure when or if you need a screening test, talk with your primary care doctor or call your local clinic. They can help you choose when and how to start screening for colorectal cancer.