Implementing Faecal Immunochemical Testing in Primary Care

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising globally, particularly in younger demographics.
• There is a growing need for accessible CRC screening in primary care settings.
• Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) offers a non-invasive method for CRC detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) service within primary care for asymptomatic individuals.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of implementing a FIT service in a general practice setting.

Main Methods:

• Asymptomatic patients aged 40-75 years were offered FIT kits during routine consultations.
• A positive FIT result was defined as >10μg Hb/g faeces.
• The number of FIT kits distributed, samples analyzed, and outcomes were reviewed.

Main Results:

• 173 patients were recruited, with 142 (82%) FIT samples analyzed.
• A positive FIT result (>10μg Hb/g faeces) was observed in 8 (5%) patients.
• Of those with positive results, 6 underwent colonoscopy, revealing polyps in 4 (50%) and necessitating follow-up in 2.

Conclusions:

• This study marks the first successful implementation of a FIT service in Irish primary care.
• The findings support a significant unmet need and a strong rationale for utilizing FIT testing in general practice for colorectal cancer screening.