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How to do the FIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test | Cancer Research UK
Introduction to FIT Bowel Cancer Screening
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a crucial tool used in the United Kingdom to screen for bowel cancer. This non-invasive test can detect hidden blood in your stool, which may be an early sign of cancer or other bowel conditions. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Getting Your FIT Kit
Once you’re eligible, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme will send you a FIT kit directly to your home. This typically happens every two years if you’re between 60 and 74 years old. The package includes everything you need to complete the test, including detailed instructions.
Preparing for the Test
You don’t need to make any significant changes to your diet or medications before taking the FIT test. However, it’s advisable to read the provided instructions thoroughly to ensure you understand each step of the process. Make sure you know where to store the kit and how to collect your sample.
Collecting Your Sample
1. Collect your stool sample in a clean, dry container or use the paper sheet provided in your FIT kit.
2. Use the stick provided in the kit to take a small sample from your stool.
3. Apply the stool sample to the test card or place it into the sample bottle as directed.
4. Ensure the sample is sealed correctly to prevent any leaks.
Sending Your Sample
After collecting your sample, place it in the pre-paid envelope provided in your FIT kit. Post it as soon as possible to avoid sample degradation. The envelope is designed to ensure the sample reaches the lab safely and securely.
Receiving Your Results
Results are usually sent within two weeks. You’ll receive a letter explaining your results. If blood is found in your stool, don’t panic. It doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer but might warrant further investigation, such as a colonoscopy.
Understanding Your Results
If no blood is detected, you’ll continue with regular screenings every two years. If blood is present, you’ll be contacted by a specialist nurse to discuss the next steps. Early detection is essential, and the FIT test is a vital preventive measure in the fight against bowel cancer.
Conclusion
Completing the FIT bowel cancer screening test is straightforward and potentially lifesaving. By following the instructions provided and sending your sample promptly, you play a crucial role in early cancer detection and prevention. Cancer Research UK and the NHS are committed to providing the support and information needed to keep you informed and healthy.
How to Do the FIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test | Cancer Research UK
What is FIT Bowel Cancer Screening?
The FIT test checks for bowel cancer. It looks for hidden blood in your poo. This can be an early sign of cancer. If you get the test, it's important to follow the steps to make sure the results are right.
Getting Your FIT Kit
If you are aged 60 to 74, the NHS will send you a test kit in the mail. This happens every two years. Your kit will have everything you need and instructions on what to do.
Preparing for the Test
You don’t need to change what you eat or any medicines. But you should read the instructions in the kit. Make sure you know how to store the kit and how to collect your poo sample.
How to Collect Your Sample
1. Collect your poo in a clean container or use the paper in the kit.
2. Use the stick in the kit to take a small bit of poo.
3. Put the poo on the test card or in the small bottle, as the instructions say.
4. Close it tightly so it doesn’t leak.
Sending Your Sample
Put your sample in the prepaid envelope from your kit. It's best to post it right away. This helps the sample stay okay and reach the lab safely.
Getting Your Results
You'll get your results in about two weeks by mail. If there is blood in your poo, don’t worry. It doesn’t always mean cancer. But you may need more tests, like a colonoscopy.
What Your Results Mean
If your results say no blood, you will do the test again in two years. If there is blood, a nurse will talk to you about what happens next. Finding problems early is very important. The FIT test helps find cancer early.
Conclusion
Doing the FIT test is easy and can save lives. Follow the instructions and send your sample quickly. This helps find cancer early. Cancer Research UK and the NHS want to help you stay informed and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a home testing kit used to detect signs of bowel cancer by finding small amounts of blood in your stool (poo).
In the UK, people aged 60 to 74, who are registered with a GP, are automatically sent a FIT kit every two years.
To use the FIT kit, you need to collect a small sample of your stool using the collection stick, place it in the sample bottle, and then send it back to the lab in the prepaid envelope provided.
No, you do not need to make any changes to your diet or medication before taking the FIT test.
You should do the FIT test every two years if you are between the ages of 60 and 74 and registered with a GP in the UK.
If your FIT test result is positive, it means there is blood in your stool. You will be contacted to discuss the next steps, which usually involve further tests such as a colonoscopy.
A negative result means that no blood was found in your stool sample. Even if the result is negative, it is still important to continue regular screening every two years.
No, the FIT test is not painful. It simply involves collecting a small sample of your stool.
Yes, if you are over 74, you can still request a FIT kit by contacting your GP.
If you lose your FIT kit, you can contact the bowel cancer screening helpline or your GP to request a new one.
The FIT test is a reliable screening tool, but like all tests, it is not 100% accurate. A negative result does not completely rule out bowel cancer, and a positive result does not mean you have cancer.
Bowel cancer screening is important because it can detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. It can also find non-cancerous growths, such as polyps, which can be removed to prevent cancer.
It is best to avoid taking the FIT test during your period or if you are experiencing bleeding from hemorrhoids, as this can affect the result.
You should receive your results within two weeks of the lab receiving your sample.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain, contact your GP even if you've done a FIT test recently.
The FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a test you can do at home. It helps find signs of bowel cancer. It works by looking for tiny bits of blood in your poo.
In the UK, if you are between 60 and 74 years old and have a doctor, you will get a FIT kit in the mail every two years.
To use the FIT kit, follow these simple steps:
1. Collect a tiny bit of your poop with the stick from the kit.
2. Put the poop on the stick into the small bottle.
3. Send the bottle back to the lab. Use the envelope that came with the kit. It is already paid for.
If you need help, ask someone you trust or use voice-to-text tools to have instructions read out loud. Remember, it's okay to ask for help!
No, you don't need to change what you eat or the medicine you take before doing the FIT test.
If you are between 60 and 74 years old and have a doctor in the UK, you should do the FIT test every two years.
If your FIT test shows a positive result, it means there is blood in your poop. A doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. This usually means having more tests, like a test called a colonoscopy, to check inside your tummy.
A negative result means there is no blood in your poop. It is still important to check every two years, even if the result is negative.
No, the FIT test does not hurt. You just need to collect a small piece of your poop.
If you are older than 74, you can still ask for a FIT kit. Just talk to your doctor to get one.
If you lose your FIT kit, you can ask for a new one. You can call the bowel cancer helpline or talk to your doctor (GP).
The FIT test is a good tool for checking if you might have bowel cancer, but it is not perfect. If your test says "no cancer," you still need to be careful because cancer might be there. If your test says "cancer," it does not mean you definitely have cancer.
Here are some helpful tools and tips to make reading easier:
- Use a ruler or your finger to follow along with the words.
- Read slowly and take your time.
- Ask someone to read with you and explain things.
- Use apps or audiobooks to listen to the text.
Bowel cancer screening is very important. It helps doctors find cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Screening can also find small growths called polyps. Polyps are not cancer, but they can turn into cancer. Doctors can take polyps out to stop cancer from happening.
Don't do the FIT test when you have your period or if you are bleeding from hemorrhoids. It can change the result.
You will get your results in two weeks after the lab gets your sample.
If you find reading hard, use tools like text-to-speech apps or ask someone to help you understand.
If you notice changes in when or how you poop, lose weight without trying, or have a tummy ache, talk to your doctor. It’s important to do this even if you have already taken a FIT test.
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