Description

What is a Colorectal Cancer Screening Test?

A colorectal cancer screening test aids in identifying the presence of cancerous and/or precancerous growths in your colon by identifying traces of blood (Hemoglobin) in your stool. Also known as a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), the test checks for blood in the stool which may indicate the presence of colon cancer, or other benign conditions of the digestive tract such as hemorrhoids.

FIT evaluates stool samples for hidden (“occult”) blood, blood that cannot be seen with the naked eye. There are several possible causes of blood in the stool, one important cause is the presence of polyps or cancers in the digestive tract. Colon polyps are common as people age, but most polyps do not cause any health problems and are benign. However, a benign polyp can turn into a cancerous polyp. If detected early, colon cancer can be successfully treated. It is therefore important to determine whether pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps are present. A false positive test can occur as the result of other issues (such as inflammation or hemorrhoids) causing blood to be present in the stool. It is recommended FIT tests be repeated yearly.

This test is pain-free and easy-to-use, enabling you to collect all your screening samples conveniently at home.

Included are 1 stool sample collection kit, and a pre-addressed return envelope (Postage Paid)

IMPORTANT NOTE

Please be aware that this test does not determine if you have colon cancer. The test indicates that you require further assessment by your physician, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Should you have a positive FIT, you should alert your physician about your positive FIT to get scheduled for further testing.

If you have already noted blood in the stool, or any other symptoms listed, you should consult your physician immediately for further testing. Do not perform this test if you are bleeding from hemorrhoids, menstruation, have blood in your urine or have bleeding cuts on your hand.

Related symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loose stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer actually starts in the colon or the rectum when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in America. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. for 2021 are 104,270 new cases of colon cancer, and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer. The tragedy of colon cancer is that it is a preventable form of cancer, given that most of the time colon cancer starts as a benign polyp, which can easily be removed before it has the time to evolve into a malignant cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends early screening such as the FIT so you can take action earlier and prevent complications.

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for the Test?

It is not necessary to fast or adjust your diet or lifestyle in any way prior to testing. We also do not recommend discontinuing any medication without contacting your physician first.

What do the Results Mean?

Your Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test results will provide you with a comprehensive view of the trace elements in your stool, and the amount of blood (Hemoglobin) in the stool.