You've likely heard of a colonoscopy. But do you know what a stool based test is? The current guideline recommended stool based tests are the sensitive guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). FIT, in particular, is becoming a popular, low-maintenance colon cancer screening method. The FIT take-home test uses a collection tool to get a small sample of stool, which is sent to your doctor or lab by mail. Read a Q&A with Dr. James Allison, an expert in fecal blood tests for colon cancer, on our web site. Also, check out our new one-page info sheet on FIT tests. An excerpt from our interview with Dr. Allison: Q: Colonoscopy has been considered the gold standard screening test for colon cancer. Now, we are hearing more and more about FIT tests. What is a FIT test, and why is it gaining popularity? A: The term FIT means Fecal Immunochemical Test, and it is a test that is specific for human blood in the stool. It's easily collectable, no diet is necessary, only one sample is necessary for most FIT, and it has a very good sensitivity for cancer. In addition to cancer this test when used in a program of repeated FIT testing can identify those few polyps most likely to become cancers before they ever become dangerous. If you have a positive FIT (human blood is detected in the sample), you will need further evaluation with colonoscopy. Stool based tests should be done every year. Q: Who should take a FIT test? A: It is for asymptomatic patients at average risk of colon cancer who are 50 and older. This means they have no past history of colon cancer, family history of colon cancer, or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease that increase their risk of colon cancer. |