Colorectal Cancer Screening - FIT Test

To do your at-home screening test for blood in the stool, order a Biron sampling kit.

Assess your risk factors online

Complete the online questionnaire to assess your risk factors and eligibility. If you are at average or slightly elevated risk, you will have the opportunity to order a screening kit.

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Step 2

Order a kit and collect a sample at home

Once you have made your payment online, the kit will be shipped. Follow the instructions provided in the kit, and then return the sample to a Biron service centre within a maximum of 7 days after collecting it.

Step 3

Results and analysis

Our laboratory will analyze the sample. Results are usually available within 48 hours.

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Step 4

Case management

In the event of a positive result from the screening test, medical care will be initiated.

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What is the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program?

The most common way to screen for colorectal cancer is the FIT (fecal immunochemical test). This test detects the presence of tiny amounts of blood in the stool, not visible to the naked eye. However, a positive FIT result does not mean a diagnosis of colon or rectum cancer. A colonoscopy is needed to confirm the presence of cancer or polyps.

Purpose of screening

Screening is aimed at reducing the risk of mortality associated with colorectal cancer by detecting, depending on the case:

Pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer
Early-stage cancer, before symptoms appear, thereby increasing the chances of a full recovery

Why is it important to screen for colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in people aged 50 to 74. In Quebec, around 6,800 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. Moreover, this type of cancer can develop silently, with few or no symptoms in the early stages.

Screening for colorectal cancer can reduce the risk of developing the disease and dying from it. When caught early, it is highly treatable.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

Here are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate colon cancer:

Worsening constipation
Sensation that the rectum is not completely empty after a bowel movement
Red or very dark blood in the stool
Prolonged diarrhea
Pain or discomfort in the rectum
Unexplained weight loss

See a doctor

If you have experienced any of the symptoms described above for some time, you should see a doctor. However, such symptoms do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Other health problems could also be the cause.

Does a positive result for blood in the stool necessarily indicate colon cancer?

No. Several other conditions can lead to a small amount of blood in the stool: Hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, constipation or inflammatory bowel disease can also produce a positive result. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS), out of 1,000 people who undergo screening, 36 have blood in their stool (3.6%). Of these 36 people, four have colorectal cancer, 17 have one or more polyps, and 15 have neither polyps nor cancer.

What happens if I have a positive result for blood in the stool?

A Biron healthcare professional will contact you. In some cases, a colonoscopy may be prescribed. This is an invasive examination used to diagnose the presence of polyps or colorectal cancer.

Does a negative result for blood in the stool rule out the possibility of cancer?

No. Polyps and tumours do not release blood continuously. The lesion may not have bled the day you collected your sample. For this reason, it is recommended to repeat this test every two years (MSSS national medical program).

Is testing for blood in the stool a diagnostic test?

No. Testing for blood in the stool is a screening test. Only optical or virtual colonoscopy can detect the presence of a polyp, adenoma or cancerous lesion.

Does Biron offer colonoscopy services?

No. Colonoscopy can be performed in the public healthcare system or in a private clinic (fees apply). If your FIT result is positive, Biron will present you with both options and can refer you to one of its private partners, if you wish.

Can I undergo FIT screening at Biron if I am under 50 but have known risk factors?

If you have a personal or family history, you may be eligible for the FIT, even if you are under 50. Please fill out our online questionnaire to confirm your eligibility and order your at-home sampling kit. If your doctor has prescribed a FIT test, you can make an appointment at Biron to collect your sampling kit, whatever your age.

Should I see a healthcare professional if I have blood in my stool?

If you have ever noticed blood in your stool, we recommend that you see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This symptom may be compatible with colorectal cancer. If needed, Biron offers a medical consultation service. For more information, please call us at 1-855-522-4766.

Is colorectal cancer a hereditary disease that can be prevented?

Yes, about 5% of colorectal cancers are thought to be genetic in origin. The vast majority of cases are believed to be due to poor lifestyle habits. Numerous studies indicate that simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer:

Be physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit consumption of red and processed meats.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Choose fibre-rich foods (fruit, vegetables, whole-grain cereals).
Undergo regular screening for blood in the stool.
Avoid smoking.

Feel free to fill out the colorectal cancer screening questionnaire to find out if you are eligible for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Colorectal Cancer Screening - FIT Test

A preventive screening protocol that enables early detection of blood in the stool, which may be a symptom of colon cancer.

Without a medical consult

Confirm your eligibility online

Receive your sampling kit sent directly at your home

Results in 48 hours

Test reimbursed by most private insurers

How does colon cancer screening work using Biron’s at-home sampling kit?

Assess your risk factors online

Order a kit and collect a sample at home

Results and analysis

Case management

How much does the colorectal cancer screening kit cost?

What is the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program?

Why is it important to screen for colorectal cancer?

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

See a doctor

Do you already have a medical prescription?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a positive result for blood in the stool necessarily indicate colon cancer?

What happens if I have a positive result for blood in the stool?

Does a negative result for blood in the stool rule out the possibility of cancer?

Is testing for blood in the stool a diagnostic test?

Does Biron offer colonoscopy services?

Can I undergo FIT screening at Biron if I am under 50 but have known risk factors?

Should I see a healthcare professional if I have blood in my stool?

Is colorectal cancer a hereditary disease that can be prevented?

Get screened now

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