Colonoscopy and FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Testing) are accepted strategies for colorectal cancer screening in the average risk population.  Colonoscopy is the most accurate test for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, however, it requires bowel preparation and time off work in order to undergo the assessment.  FIT testing is non-invasive, convenient and cost effective, making it an acceptable alternative for some people.  It can effectively rule out colorectal cancer with 79% accuracy, and can be performed at home with no preparation.   The FIT test, essentially, is looking for microscopic blood. Blood in the stool can happen for a variety of reasons, such as haemorrhoids or irritation, but it also can be an indicator of more serious things, like precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer.  If a FIT is positive the patient will need a colonoscopy for further evaluation.

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT):

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used as a screening test for colon cancer. It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. Medicines and food do not interfere with the test. So it tends to be more accurate and have fewer false positive results than other tests.

Colonoscopy:

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon (large intestine) used to look for changes, such as inflammation, polyps or cancer. A long, thin, flexible tube with a very small camera at the end is gently placed in your anus (bottom) and pushed up and around the inside of your bowel. This is how the lining of your colon is examined.