Cancer Research UK main site

How accurate are home bowel FIT tests?

Stifledhero
Offline

Hi all. 

New to this forum. I'd like some advice if possible. So a bit of context, I'm 30 years old and in the past couple of months I've noticed I've been having loose stools. There is no visible blood. And no other symptoms.

I want to be proactive as I know bowel cancer is not as uncommon as I initially thought in young people. I decided to buy an at home bowel FIT test from the brand SelfCheck. It is sold in major pharmacies such as Lloyd's and Superdrug. 

I've done 2 of these tests, both negative. 

I'd mainly like to know if this test is a reputable and reliable test? It also says its sensitivity is 30µg (I'm not medical - so is this good?)

I am of course much too young to be on the NHS FIT screening, which is why I am investing in alternative tests. 

Any info on at home FIT tests would be amazing. 

Thanks. 

  • Hello Stifledhero

    I'm sorry to hear that you have some ongoing health concerns.

    I'm afraid that I don't know about the reliability of the FIT tests that you've taken but if you're concerned about your bowel health then the best person to consult in the first instance would be your GP. They will be able to discuss your symptoms and arrange any appropriate tests or referrals. 

    I hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    I'm no expert, but I would say that at 30 years old, with two negative tests and the only symptom being loose stools, the odds of cancer are extremely low.

    A year ago, at the age of 40, I went to the doctor with regular rectal bleeding, going on for months, weight loss, occasional loose stools (maybe once a week or so) and trapped wind and the specialist told me that at my age and with those symptoms, the odds of cancer were less than 1% (it turned out to be piles, which was what we all expected really). Now, given that you are even younger than I was, have no visible blood, I assume no weight loss and two negative tests, I assume the odds for you would be significantly lower again.

    The FIT test just tests for blood in the stool, so even if it were positive, the odds of cancer would still be low. I do not know how good the tests are, but I would say that combined with all the other factors, cancer is very, very unlikely.

    If your symptoms continue, it might be worth consulting your GP, not just to be sure it's not cancer, but to see what is causing it. It could be many things - IBS, lactose intolerance, an infection... And treatment may be available

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.