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FIT testing – advanced screening for bowel cancer

Decorative photo of FIT testing – advanced screening for bowel cancer

Are you concerned about bowel cancer?

Regular screening is a powerful preventative measure for bowel cancer. FIT testing is the most advanced, non-invasive screening tool available. King Edward VII’s Hospital FIT testing offers a bespoke service which includes a full telephone consultation with our Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner and if needed a streamlined referral services for a colonoscopy within 7 – 10 days.

Bowel cancer is the third commonest cause of cancer related death in the UK. Whilst screening methods are currently offered to individuals aged between 60 – 74 years old, advanced screening is rarely available to those who fall outside of this demographic. With a significant increase in under 50’s being diagnosed with bowel cancer, regular screening is a powerful preventative measure.

What is FIT Testing?

Faecal Immunochemical Testing (or FIT), which tests for the presence of blood in a faecal sample, is a far superior screening method than that of its predecessor (the FOBT kit). The FIT test specifically detects human haemoglobin; ensuring results are not influenced by the presence of other blood in stools (i.e those ingested from diet). Additionally FIT testing uses machine analysis – removing subjective human error from the screening process.

How does it work?

Done from the comfort of your home, FIT testing requires only one faecal sample – compared to three samples required by the FOBT – and is able to detect minute traces of blood. Your FIT test kit will include straightforward, step-by-step instructions on how to complete the test. Once complete, you are required to post your sample to the designated screening centre for further analysis.

How will I get my results?

Our Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner receives all test results and will offer you a full telephone consultation to discuss the results with you, as well as offer guidance and support, answering any concerns you may have around your bowel health.

If, at a later stage, you experience symptoms consistent with Bowel Cancer (persistent changes in bowel movements, blood in stools, abdominal pain / discomfort or unexplained weight loss) we suggest speaking with your GP, a Healthcare Professional or you can contact our Colorectal CNS.

What happens if my result is abnormal?

An abnormal result suggests there may be bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract that requires further investigation. If you receive an abnormal result it DOES NOT mean you have bowel cancer, but you will be offered a streamlined referral service for a colonoscopy within 7 – 10 days, if not sooner depending on bowel prep.

Order your FIT test from King Edward VII's Hospital

If you’re worried or concerned about your bowel health and would like to use King Edward VII’s bespoke at-home FIT testing screening for £79, you can order your kit today using the button below.

Order Now

Why order a FIT Test from King Edward VII's Hospital?

If bowel cancer is caught early, individuals have a 90% success rate at recovery. King Edward VII’s focuses on early detection, with all the specialist expertise needed for fast, safe and less invasive diagnosis and surgical care.

Benefits of FIT testing include:

  • Non-invasive – the test can be done from the comfort of your own home.
  • Simple – it requires only one faecal sample and does not require any dietary or medication restrictions prior to testing.
  • Highly sensitive – the FIT Test only detects human blood ensuring no interference from other substances.
  • Lower threshold for positive results – vital in detecting early stages of bowel cancer.
  • Nationally accredited specialists – UK leaders* in bowel cancer screening.
  • One-to-one support – from a our Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner including a full telephone consultation, guiding and supporting you every step of the way should a positive result occur.
  • Streamlined referral – to our colonoscopy service within 7 – 10 days if needed.
  • Convenient central London location – easily accessible by train and London Underground if a follow up consultation or diagnostics is needed.

Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner

You’ll be guided throughout the FIT test process by our Colorectal Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Faye Jones.

Faye started working at King Edward VII’s Hospital in 2020, previously she worked at Guys and St Thomas Foundation Trust. Faye has worked in the Colorectal setting for nearly 15 years and has a Masters in Advanced Practice in Colorectal Care. She is passionate about regular FIT test screening as it is such a great non-invasive way of checking for microscopic blood in the stool.

As part of your bespoke FIT Testing with King Edward VII’s, you’ll receive a full one to one telephone consultation with Faye to discuss any concerns you may have about your bowel health.

The UK national bowel cancer screening programme (BCSP) is one of the most highly regarded and tightly regulated pathways in the world. Specialists performing BCSP colonoscopy undergo extensive written and practical examination before being accredited and are subject to regular and rigorous review for the quality of the procedures that they provide. As such they represent just 2% of all specialists performing colonoscopy in the UK. We are pleased to have a team of BCSP-accredited consultants providing a high-quality service at King Edward VII’s Hospital.

Why King Edward VII's Hospital?

Photo of King Edward VII's Hospital
Because our standards are apparent in everything we do…
  • Patient-centred care – placing you at the heart of everything we do
  • Hand-picked consultants– so you can choose from one of the finest specialists in the UK
  • Multidisciplinary approach – working together in specialist teams, deciding on a personalised treatment plan for you
  • Innovative treatments – state-of-the-art medical facilities designed with unparalleled safety and precision in mind
  • Quality and safety – prioritising high quality, safe and effective healthcare, always
  • Charitable work – any surplus we make goes into providing subsidised medical care to Veterans of the Armed Forces.

There is a reason why over 98% of our patients would recommend King Edward VII’s Hospital to family and friends.
Book your consultation today: Call 020 7467 4344