What is the FIT?

 
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Video available in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi

The screening test for colon cancer is called the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). FIT detects blood in your stool (poop) which can be a sign of pre-cancer. FIT can be done in the comfort of your own home by following the instructions provided in your kit. There are no dietary or medication restrictions so you can continue to eat your regular meals and take your medications when testing.

This safe, user-friendly test is more accurate than the previously used guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and can find pre-cancerous and cancerous cells early when cancer can be prevented or caught sooner.

To get a test kit, talk to a health care provider and ask for a FIT. If you are eligible for screening, your health care provider will give you an order form for a free FIT kit. You can then take the order form along with your BC Services Card/CareCard to a participating lab, and pick up your FIT kit. There are no risks in taking a FIT and your results will be sent to your health care provider who will arrange all necessary follow-up.

Sign up for Health Gateway​ to get your results online (normal results are found under Lab Results, not BC Cancer Screening). Health Gateway can email and/or text (SMS) you when new screening letters are added that show you need follow-up or when you are due to screen again.

Your questions​

Does the test cost anything?
The fecal immunochemical test is free with an order by your health care provider. Patients who are eligible for screening are encouraged to contact their health care provider.​

How do I store my sample?
​Store the completed sample in the refrigerator, but not the freezer, until the sample is returned to the lab (within 7 days). Do not allow the sample to freeze or become too hot.

Where do I drop off my completed sample?
​You can drop it off at any participating laboratory. Find a laboratory location near you. 

Can the test be mailed back by Canada Post?
​No. The kit has to be brought back to one of the specified drop-off locations.

Does an unused test kit expire?
​Your collection container has an expiry date on it. Be sure to complete the test before the kit’s expiry. Once the kit is used, please return your completed sample to the lab within 7 days.

How do I get my FIT result?
​You ​can access your test result through Health Gateway. You'll get an email and/or text (SMS) notification when your results letter is ready to view in Health Gateway if you require follow-up.  Otherwise, you can contact your health care provider for your result. You will not be notified by mail if your FIT result is normal. 

If you have an abnormal result, you will be contacted by the health care team in your community about further follow-up. The health care team will assess your condition and book a colonoscopy if appropriate, or let you know if other monitoring or treatment is recommended. 

What happens if I get an abnormal result?
​An abnormal result does NOT mean that you have cancer. However, it is very important to attend follow-up tests to determine the reason for the abnormal result.

If you have an abnormal result your health care provider will make recommendations for follow-up testing. Usually, colonoscopy is recommended. This is a common procedure that allows a specialist to look at the inside of the colon and rectum to make a diagnosis. 

If you receive an abnormal FIT result, do not repeat the test in hopes of receiving a different result. Even if you receive a normal FIT result on a later test, the recommendation to proceed to colonoscopy would not change. The cause of the blood detected in your original sample still requires further investigation.

While waiting for your colonoscopy, please speak with your health care provider if you are experiencing these symptoms at any time:
  • Blood in your stool
  • Abdominal pain
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
More information on results. Watch the video below for more information on what it means to have an abnormal FIT result.

 

Video available in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi​
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Close-up of hands holding a FIT
​Get screened
Colon cancer screening can save your life. Speak to your health care provider about getting a referral for a FIT or colonoscopy.
Learn more