New procedure, called Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), becomes the reference test to identify possible changes in the colon and rectum. FIT is a stool collection test that detects blood particles that may go unnoticed. Blood detected may be a sign of precancerous lesions or bowel cancer.
The test can be done at home, without the need for laboratories, by distributing kits to patients. It does not require preparation to be performed, unlike other more invasive procedures, such as colonoscopy.
This is what Fernando Maluf, oncologist at Einstein Hospital Israelita explains: “The biggest advantage is that it can be carried out on a large scale and help in making early diagnoses”, he comments.
The doctor emphasizes that the test is highly accurate as it is based on antibodies capable of identifying microscopic bleeding, with a sensitivity of 85% to 90%. Identification is essential given a scenario of more than 50 thousand cases in Brazil, which, for the most part, are diagnosed late, hindering the chances of a cure.
“FIT is able to differentiate with more certainty whether it is a case of cancer, one or some type of inflammation”, explains Maluf. Correct diagnosis speeds up clinical management and can contribute to greater detection of gastrointestinal diseases in the healthcare system.
