From the Research
In Alberta, the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening should be done annually for average-risk individuals aged 45-74, as this frequency has been shown to be effective in reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, and improving quality of life 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program recommends FIT as part of routine preventive care, and the test detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps.
- To complete the test, you'll receive a kit from your healthcare provider, collect a small stool sample at home, and return it to a laboratory for analysis.
- If your FIT result is abnormal, your doctor will recommend follow-up testing, typically a colonoscopy.
- People with higher risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent testing based on their doctor's recommendation.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that FIT screening can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, and is equivalent to colonoscopy in detecting advanced neoplasia in first-degree relatives of patients with CRC 2.
- A study using microsimulation modeling found that earlier screening with FIT can reduce CRC disease burden and add life-years to the Canadian population at a modest cost 1.
- Another study found that repeated FIT screening (1/year for 3 years) detected all CRCs and proved equivalent to colonoscopy in detecting advanced neoplasia in first-degree relatives of patients with CRC 3.
Important Considerations
- Colorectal cancer often develops slowly over years, and regular screening can detect problems before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective.
- The choice of screening modality and frequency should be individualized based on a person's risk factors, preferences, and values.
- It is essential to discuss the benefits and limitations of different screening options with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.