The fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, detects tiny traces of blood that cannot be seen. It can identify bleeding from a polyp or colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.
This guide explains who should do a FIT test in Québec, when it isn't the right test, how to collect the sample at home and what a negative or positive result means.
Key takeaways
- In Québec, FIT is recommended every 2 years for average-risk people aged 50 to 74 who have no symptoms.
- From age 40, a family history of cancer or polyps may lead to earlier FIT or direct colonoscopy.
- Symptoms such as visible blood or black stool require diagnostic assessment, not routine screening.
- The sample is collected at home with a sampling stick. Follow the instruction sheet exactly and return it promptly.
- A positive FIT is not a cancer diagnosis. About 50 of every 1,000 screened people have an abnormal result, and colonoscopy is then recommended.
- When repeated regularly, FIT lowers the risk of developing or dying from colorectal cancer.
What is a FIT test?
A FIT (fecal immunochemical test) is a stool test that detects tiny traces of blood that cannot be seen. It can identify bleeding from a polyp or colorectal cancer before symptoms appear. It is simple, non-invasive and usually requires no special diet or bowel preparation.
Who should do a FIT test in Québec?
In Québec, FIT is recommended every 2 years for average-risk people aged 50 to 74 who have:
- no symptoms
- no personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- no important family history
What if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps?
From age 40, a family history of cancer or polyps may lead to earlier FIT or direct colonoscopy. The plan depends on the relative's age at diagnosis and the number of relatives affected.
When is FIT not the right first test?
The following symptoms require diagnostic assessment rather than routine screening with FIT:
- visible blood
- black stool
- a persistent change in bowel habits
- unexplained anemia
- weight loss
- abdominal pain
Previous cancer, polyps, inflammatory colitis or a genetic syndrome requires a personalized surveillance program, often involving periodic colonoscopy.
How do you do a FIT test at home?
A kit is provided after prescription or eligibility assessment, and the sample is collected at home with a sampling stick.
- Use the sampling stick to collect a small amount of stool.
- Do not fill the tube, and do not mix the sample with urine or toilet water.
- Follow the instruction sheet exactly.
- Record the date.
- Return the sample promptly to the designated site.
Delayed or improper collection can make the sample unsuitable for analysis.
What do FIT test results mean?
Negative FIT result
A negative FIT result means an abnormal amount of blood was not detected. It does not completely rule out cancer, so FIT should be repeated every 2 years while you remain eligible.
Positive FIT result
A positive FIT is not a cancer diagnosis. About 50 of every 1,000 screened people have an abnormal result. Colonoscopy is then recommended to identify the source and remove polyps if present.
What are the benefits and limitations of FIT?
When repeated regularly, FIT lowers the risk of developing or dying from colorectal cancer, but it can give false results.
Benefits
- When repeated regularly, lowers the risk of developing or dying from colorectal cancer
- Simple and non-invasive
- Usually requires no special diet or bowel preparation
Limitations
- Can be falsely positive because of another source of bleeding
- Rarely falsely negative
- New symptoms between tests always require medical assessment
What happens after a positive FIT? Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy examines the colon and can remove polyps or obtain a biopsy. It requires laxative preparation and has uncommon risks such as bleeding or perforation.
The next screening date depends on the quality and findings of the colonoscopy. Always ask when the next FIT or colonoscopy is due.
How Bina Medical Clinic can help
At Bina Clinic, we can assess risk, prescribe FIT when appropriate and follow an abnormal result. A simple test becomes effective prevention only when it is repeated on schedule and followed properly.
Related: Preventative Health Review · Results Follow-Up
Official sources
- Gouvernement du Québec — Information on colorectal cancer screening
- Gouvernement du Québec — Colorectal cancer screening and FIT instructions
This article provides general information and does not replace a personalized medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
