A new study by Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute provides the strongest evidence to date to support recommendations that average risk patients can safely opt for an annual, easy-to-use home stool test instead of a screening colonoscopy. The researchers reviewed and analyzed the findings of 31 studies with a total of 120,255 participants. Each individual had a FIT (short for fecal immunochemical test), which identifies hidden blood in stool.
FIT results were compared to the finding of a subsequent screening colonoscopy and were found to have high detection rates for colorectal cancer. The study results are published online in advance of print in the March 6, 2019 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. "Our analysis finds that FIT is a good 'pre-screening' test for average-risk, asymptomatic adults, saving them hassle and the US healthcare system…
