What does this test measure?
FIT Detects traces of blood in the stool, an important biomarker for colorectal cancer.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Collection method: Stool sample
1 Detecting Colorectal Cancer | Can Colorectal Cancer Be Found Early? (n.d.). American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
Why is this test important?
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S.1 While Colorectal cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 65-75, it is estimated that 10.5% of new Colorectal cancer cases occur in people younger than age 50.1 Current recommendations are that regular screenings begin at age 45–50.2
Colorectal cancer can be managed with early detection. A positive result indicates that you should follow up with your physician.
1 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). USPSTF Recommendation: Screening for Colorectal Cancer. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/home/getfilebytoken/2Wc3FRHpVDPX2jT_WzjEXX
2 Fisher, D. A., Princic, N., Miller-Wilson, L.-A., Wilson, K., Fendrick, A. M., & Limburg, P. (2021). Utilization of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Among Individuals With Average Risk. JAMA Network Open, 4(9), Article e2122269. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.22269
Who is this test for?
FIT Colorectal cancer screenings are one of the methods the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends every year for people aged 45-75.1
1 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). USPSTF Recommendation: Screening for Colorectal Cancer. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/home/getfilebytoken/2Wc3FRHpVDPX2jT_WzjEXX
