FIT Testing demystified, Overview of the 2WW ”Rapid Investigation Service” & ”Cancer of Unknown Primary” Pathways

GP Dr Camilla Janssen talks to Richard Roope about FIT tests, their use in screening as well as for the symptomatic population. Also covered are the new colorectal referral pathways including recent changes, such as the FIT -ive referral route. Discussions include appropriateness of requesting and interpreting FIT tests in different clinical situations, i.e. with rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, acute infection and when taking iron supplementation and the importance of safety netting.

Here is the link to the information on the Wessex Cancer Alliance website, including useful links that can be sent to patients regarding the FIT tests and result interpretation, as well as Wessex lower GI pathways and flowcharts. 

Symptomatic FIT - Welcome to Wessex Cancer Alliance 

The final part of the discussion covers the "Rapid Investigation Service" as well as the "Cancer of Unknown Primary" 2WW pathways. Awareness is raised regarding the high incidence of false -ive results with different tests and the importance of remembering this, when interpreting results in the clinical context.