FIT stands for (Quantitive) Faecal Immunochemical Test. FIT detects hidden or ‘occult’ blood in stool samples, using antibodies that specifically recognise human haemoglobin. FIT is used in many screening programmes worldwide because it can detect more cancers, particularly advanced adenomas (premalignant adenomas). There are fewer false positives and it is a sensitive enough test to assess patients who are at low risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Resources on FIT for health professionals and patients in the East of England region are provided below. Quick links are in the bullet points, with a more detailed explanation underneath: 

• FIT introductory video - for clinicians
• FIT pathway for urgent suspected lower GI cancer referrals - for clinicians 
• Guidelines - Link to BSG guidelines for clinicians
• Animation video - for patients
• Animation video translations - (Urdu,Turkish, Tamil, Romanian, Bengali, Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish) - for patients (also available below)
• Patient leaflets - see sections below 
• Patient leaflet translations - see below

FIT introductory video for clinicians

Our FIT video for clinicians introduces the tests, who they are for and how they form part of the primary care consultation process. Please share this video in primary care, with GP practices and clinicians across the region. 

Watch the video presented by Dr Deepak Kumar below, access via Youtube FIT clinician video - new - short version - YouTube or embed/copy using the following link: https://youtu.be/dCft-0m88os  

FIT Pathway - for clinicians

EoE Cancer Alliance has developed a FIT pathway for urgent suspected colorectal cancer referrals. This is to help clinicians with patients who have met the NICE criteria for a lower GI urgent suspected cancer referral. The pathway includes: the criteria to be met, physical symptoms, the use of FIT scores, referral assessment, triage, MDT discussions, treatment and care. This pathway is for use across the EoE region - please share this document as appropriate across primary and secondary care. 

Guidelines - for clinicians

Guidelines are available via this link on the use of FIT for patients with signs or symptoms of suspected colorectal cancer. They summarise the current evidence base and make recommendations for use of FIT in symptomatic patients aged 18 years and older. The guideline has been carefully considered by both the East of England Cancer Alliances Colorectal Network Clinical Group and Primary care Group, and we endorse the new guideline and promote its adoption throughout the region.

The guideline page also has a helpful webinar for clinicians to explain the guidelines.

Powerpoint slides for a webinar given by Dr Kevin Monahan are also available on NHS Futures FIT_Guideline_Aug2022 - Cancer Alliances Workspace - FutureNHS Collaboration Platform . 

Animation video - to be provided to patients

Our animation video is available for patients, to assist them in completing the test properly to ensure a smooth referral process, it also covers mistakes to avoid. Ensuring tests are completed properly and in a timely manner can make a notable difference to a patient's treatment pathway.

Please share this animation with patients across the East of England region, to encourage them to return FIT as requested by their GP practice. The animation is available to watch below, view or download via our Youtube channel East of England FIT test animation video - YouTube or embed/copy using the following link: https://youtu.be/CtKlGplJ7EY        

Patient leaflets have also been produced to assist patients in completing their FIT test. These can be used, shared and distributed around the East of England region. They are provided below and are available in a number of different languages.