Rung 4 · Strong
Yearly FIT home stool test
A simple yearly home test; a positive result needs a colonoscopy.
Early detectionWith your doctor
What studies found
One FIT finds about 74% of colorectal cancers and 23% of advanced precancerous polyps (U.S. Task Force pooled data). In a national program in Taiwan, people offered FIT had about 10% lower colorectal cancer death after six years.
The catch
It misses most precancerous polyps, so it only works as well as other tests when repeated every year.
What to do
Do it every year, and have a colonoscopy within 6 months if it's positive.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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