Background
- Both FIT and colonoscopy are used to look for colorectal cancer.
- Currently in the United States, only colonoscopy is used to monitor people ages 65-82 who have had polyps.
- FIT might also be a good option for people this age whose polyps are small
(less than 1 cm). - People may prefer FIT as an easy, at-home test option.
Purpose of the COOP Study
- To compare at-home-stool based testing (FIT) to colonoscopy for finding colorectal cancer in older adults who have a history of colorectal polyps.
- To learn more about people’s experiences using this type of at-home test.
- To give older adults with a history of low-risk colon polyps and their doctors another effective option for colorectal cancer prevention.
Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
- FIT is a non-invasive, convenient, low cost, stool-based test that looks for hidden blood in the stool.
- It has the advantage of being done at home, without any risks, sedation, or need for a change in diet or bowel preparation.
- However, it cannot identify and remove polyps in real time, like a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy
- A colonoscopy is a test where a flexible
tube with a small camera is inserted into
the bottom to look for polyps and cancer
in the colon. - If a polyp is detected it can be removed during the colonoscopy.
- Prior to colonoscopy, participants are asked to drink a liquid (laxative) that helps clean the colon for the test. Participants may
also be sedated during the procedure.
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