Screening for colorectal cancer has never been easier

FIT is a simple at-home test that could save your life

Story by Vanessa Gomez

Being new to your 50s brings opportunities to celebrate a fresh decade of life with loved ones — but it’s also an important time keep up to date with your health screening.

For Thomas Fish, taking a proactive approach to health has always been important — and colorectal cancer screening is a priority on his to-do list.

“I learned about FIT through my wife,” he says. “I was new to my 50s and she shared some of the statistics of colorectal cancer and the importance of catching it early before symptoms begin.” In Alberta, colorectal cancer affects approximately one in 16 individuals in their lifetime.

FIT — short for the Fecal Immunochemical Test — is an easy at-home test to screen for colorectal cancer. It looks for blood in your poop that you can’t see.

“Screening helps us reduce the risk of this cancer. We can find or prevent colorectal cancer at its early stages and when treatment is most effective,” says Dr. Huiming Yang, Medical Director of Screening Programs.

Anyone aged 50 to 74 who’s at average risk should screen with FIT every one to two years. Average risk means no personal or family history of the disease.

Since January 2022, FIT kits can be ordered online or by phone, making screening more accessible to Albertans. Fish ordered his FIT kit online and had it delivered to his mailbox when he lived in Lac La Biche.

“The instructions were easy, filling it out was easy, and doing the test was easy,” he says. “I just had to drop it off at the lab when I was done. I didn’t have to wait in line.”

Patients have long been able to make an appointment with their healthcare provider to receive a lab requisition, pick up the kit from the lab, complete the test and return it, says Dr. Yang.

“Now, they also have the option to order a kit online or by phone, have it mailed to them and drop off the completed test at the lab. Reducing some of the initial barriers of needing a requisition or picking up a FIT kit ensures screening is accessible to all,” he adds.

The ease of ordering a FIT kit has been met with positive feedback since it launched last year, with many praising the process as convenient, easy and accessible.

“I feel this is great for patients who want to take an active role in ensuring their regular screening is completed in a timely fashion,” wrote one participant.

Fish, who now lives in Calgary, received good news — a normal result in the mail — and now encourages others in his life to get screened, as well.

“The test takes a little bit of time and effort, but has so many benefits to your health and well-being.”

Albertans are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider about colorectal cancer screening and FIT results. To learn more about FIT or to find out if you are eligible for screening, visit screeningforlife.ca.