Colorectal Cancer Screening with FIT

FIT is a simple, safe and accurate way to check for colorectal cancer.

 

Getting checked for colon cancer just got easier with the introduction of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in Ontario. The free test is now available to eligible people in Ontario through Cancer Care Ontario’s organized colon cancer screening program, ColonCancerCheck.

FIT is a simple, safe and accurate at-home test that checks stool (poop) for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by colon cancer and/or pre-cancerous polyps (growths in the colon or rectum) that can turn into cancer over time. The FIT is for men and women ages 50 - 74 who have no symptoms and no family history of colorectal cancer. The test is to be completed every two years.

FIT replaces the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) that required patients to collect stool samples on three separate days and avoid certain foods and medications before the test.

The new test has many advantages:

• - FIT is better at detecting colon cancer and pre-cancerous polyps;
• - FIT is more user-friendly because it includes an easy-to-use collection device;
• - FIT requires only one stool sample; and
• - When completing FIT, there are no medication or dietary restrictions (including vitamin C).

For more information visit Cancer Care Ontario - Screening for Colorectal Cancer.