Preparing for FIT

Overview

The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is a simple, non-invasive test that looks for hidden blood in your stool (poo). It is used to help find early signs of bowel cancer, before symptoms appear.

Yes, the FIT is a common screening test used in many countries, including the UK, to check for bowel cancer. Most people find it easy to do.

The FIT is offered to adults, usually starting around age 50, and sometimes earlier if you have a family history of bowel cancer or certain conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• The FIT is not based on symptoms – it is a screening test for people without symptoms.
• Some people take FIT after noticing blood in their stool, but that is a separate diagnostic step.

Symptoms in children

• FIT is not used for children. Bowel cancer is extremely rare in children.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have difficulty collecting the sample due to arthritis or mobility issues; a family member or carer can help.
• Some medicines (like blood thinners) do not affect the FIT result, but always follow your screening programme’s advice.

Causes

Main causes

• The FIT detects hidden blood, which can come from polyps (small growths) or cancer in the bowel.
• Other causes of a positive FIT include haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or inflammation.

Risk factors

• Being over 50.
• Having a close relative with bowel cancer.
• Having a history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis).
• Smoking, being very overweight, or drinking a lot of alcohol.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You receive a positive FIT result – your GP or screening programme will contact you for a follow-up test (colonoscopy).
• You have any of the emergency symptoms listed above.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are aged 50–74 and have not done the FIT yet – contact your local screening programme.
• You have a family history of bowel cancer – ask your GP if you should start screening earlier.

Diagnosis

The FIT is a screening test, not a diagnosis. If the FIT is positive, you will be offered a colonoscopy, where a doctor looks inside your bowel with a thin, flexible camera.

Tests that may be done

• FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) – you collect a small stool sample at home.
• Colonoscopy – a more detailed test to see the lining of your large bowel.
• Sometimes a CT scan (virtual colonoscopy) may be used instead.

What to expect at your appointment

For the FIT: You will receive a kit in the post with instructions. You collect a tiny sample of stool using a small stick or brush, place it in a container, and mail it back in a special envelope. No special diet or medication changes are needed. Results usually arrive within two weeks.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the follow-up tests find. If no polyps or cancer are found, you simply continue routine screening. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the colonoscopy. If cancer is found, treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Self-care at home

• After a positive FIT, follow your doctor’s advice for next steps – do not delay.
• Eat a healthy, fibre-rich diet and stay active to support bowel health.
• If you are nervous, talk to your doctor or a nurse – they can explain the process and offer reassurance.

Medical treatments

If cancer is found, treatment options are decided by a specialist team. They may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy (using high-energy rays), or chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells). These are tailored to each person’s stage and health.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage bowel cancer. The doctor removes the part of the bowel with the cancer and connects the healthy ends. Many people recover well.

Living with this condition

If you have had a positive FIT and are waiting for follow-up, try to keep a normal routine. Remind yourself that most people do not have cancer. If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, treat it step by step – your care team will guide you.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Limit red and processed meats.
• Stay physically active – aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol and do not smoke.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough fibre and plenty of water can help keep bowel movements regular. Exercise helps reduce the risk of bowel cancer and improves overall wellbeing.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for test results or facing a cancer diagnosis can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, scared, or low. Talk to family, friends, or a professional counsellor. Many hospitals have specialist nurses who can provide support.

Prevention

You cannot prevent all bowel cancers, but you can lower your risk by eating well, being active, not smoking, and limiting alcohol. Regular screening with FIT helps find problems early.

Screening programmes

The FIT is the main screening test for bowel cancer. If you are aged 50–74 in the UK, you will be invited every two years. Some people with higher risk may start earlier or have a colonoscopy instead.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a positive FIT is ignored, a small polyp could grow into cancer over many years.
• Delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer can mean it has spread, making treatment harder.

Long-term outlook

Most bowel cancers are treatable, especially when found early. Thanks to screening, many people are diagnosed at an early stage and recover fully. Even if cancer is more advanced, treatments have improved a lot, and many people live well for many years.

Find support

International organisations

• Bowel Cancer UK
• Cancer Research UK

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