What is a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)?
At Blair Gastroenterology Associates, we offer a FIT test, or fecal immunochemical test. This test is used for screening colon cancer. It is a preventative care service that is performed to prevent an illness or injury. A fecal immunochemical test is also known as an immunochemical fecal occult blood test, or IFOT. This blood test screens for hidden blood in your stool. If you have concerns or know that colon cancer runs in your family, be sure to discuss these concerns with your doctor or call our office to speak to one of our specialists. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and Pennsylvanians have the 13th highest death rate for colon cancer in the country. We know that these statistics can seem frightening, but getting tested can help you avoid becoming a statistic. We usually don’t know the exact reason why one individual gets colon cancer and another does not, however we do know that there are certain risk factors associated with the development of this deadly disease. We also know that colon cancer is highly preventable when we follow the guidelines for the prevention of this disease.