A noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test can be done at home, showing positive results
Researchers from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and Kaiser Permanente analysed data from nearly 11,000 patients who underwent at-home FIT (fecal immunochemical testing) between 2002 and 2017.
The findings showed that this simple test could reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, marking a significant advancement in cancer prevention efforts.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, with over 50,000 deaths expected in 2024 alone.
Despite the availability of effective screening methods, such as colonoscopy, many Americans still do not undergo regular screening. “The right screening test is the one that gets done — and is done well,” emphasised Dr. Chyke Doubeni, senior author of the study and a prominent figure in cancer research at The Ohio State University.
“The evidence shows that FIT done every year is as good as getting a colonoscopy every 10 years for screening people of average risk.”
The study not only highlighted the overall effectiveness of FIT in reducing colorectal cancer deaths. Dr. Douglas Corley, co-principal investigator from Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, underscored the importance of these findings: “It can be performed at home, and we anticipate that regular, annual use, as recommended, can result in even larger reductions in cancer deaths over time.”
The benefits of FIT
One of the key advantages of FIT is its accessibility and convenience. Patients simply collect a stool sample at home and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This non-invasive method eliminates the need for a colonoscopy, which can be a deterrent for many due to fear or embarrassment.
While FIT is effective in detecting colorectal cancer early, individuals with positive test results must follow up promptly with a colonoscopy. This ensures that any abnormalities found can be further investigated and treated if necessary. The study’s collaborators emphasise the importance of expanding access to at-home testing, particularly in underserved communities where screening rates are low.
Initiatives like the one launched by the Wexner Medical Center and the OSUCCC — James, which provides at-home screening tests in primary care clinics, aim to bridge gaps in disparities and increase screening participation.
As research continues to validate the effectiveness of at-home screening methods like FIT, healthcare providers are hopeful that more individuals will embrace regular screening as a preventive measure against colorectal cancer.
