What is a FIT Test?
FIT stands for fecal immunochemical test. A FIT test screens for colorectal cancer by finding small amounts of blood in poop. There is no preparation or recovery, and you can take the test at home.
Who Should Get a FIT Test?
FIT tests are a great option if you are at average risk of colorectal cancer. To get a FIT test, you need to meet certain criteria:
- No family history of colorectal cancer
- No prior personal history of colorectal cancer
- No prior history of colorectal polyps
- No diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn鈥檚 disease.
- No diagnosis of a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
How Do I Take a FIT Test?
The FIT kit has all the supplies you need:
- Piece of waxy tissue paper
- Labeled (or unlabeled) tube with a cap, stick, and liquid inside
- Plastic bag with biohazard label
- Padding for shipping
Take your FIT test at home. Do not take your test if you can see blood in your poop or if you had a recent colonoscopy that found polyps.
Follow these easy steps:
- Write your name, date of birth, and the day鈥檚 date on the label. (This may be done for you.)
- Lift up the toilet seat. Unfold the tissue paper and spread it over the toilet bowl.
- Close the seat to secure the paper in place.
- Poop onto the tissue paper.
- Open the tube by twisting the cap. Use the stick attached to the cap to collect poop. Scrape poop from six different places onto the stick.
- You only need enough poop to cover the end of the stick. Once you have enough, put the stick back into the tube. You should hear a snap.
- Flush the tissue paper down the toilet. Wash your hands.
- Wrap the tube in the padding. Place the wrapped tub inside the biohazard bag.
- Return your completed test to the clinic or place in the mail. If you did not receive instructions on how to return your test, call your doctor. Your test must be returned within 48 hours.
If your test is negative (normal), there is no blood detected in your stool. You don鈥檛 need to repeat the test until next year. If your test is positive, this means that you have small amounts of blood in your stool. You may not have colorectal cancer. But you need to schedule a colonoscopy for further testing.
Taking Your FIT Test at Home
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
Huntsman Cancer Institute and 人妻中出视频 of Utah 人妻中出视频 recommend you begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. A regular screening is the best way to prevent colon cancer.
Screening recommendations differ if you have higher-than-average risk and a family history of colorectal cancer. Talk to your provider about what cancer screenings are right for you. You may need additional screening exams.
Risk factors can increase your chances of colorectal cancer:
- You have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. This risk includes polyps or cancer found in a family member younger than age 45.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
Our team at The Family Cancer Assessment Clinic at Huntsman Cancer Institute can help you find out if genes play a role in your personal or family health history.
FIT Testing Near Me
You can pick up at FIT test at 人妻中出视频 of Utah 人妻中出视频 locations. If you would like a FIT test or have questions about screening for colorectal cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
If you do not have a primary care provider, call 801-213-9500 to establish care with a new primary care provider.
More Information
For more information about colorectal cancer screening, contact Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 Cancer Learning Center at 1-888-424-2100 or text 鈥渁skhci鈥 to 66746.
