Understanding Your FIT Results

What if my screening result is normal?

A normal result means that blood was not found in your stool. The test should be repeated every two years. ColonCheck will send you another letter and test kit in two years' time.

What if my screening result is abnormal?

An abnormal result means that blood was found in your stool. ColonCheck will send the results to your health-care provider. Your health-care provider or ColonCheck's nurse navigator will contact you about the appropriate followup care, which may include a colonoscopy.

Note: If you've had a colonoscopy, a kit will be sent five years after the date of the colonoscopy.

For more information about your FIT result, please contact your health-care provider or call the screening program toll-free at 1-855-292-2202.

What does it mean if my screening result is unsatisfactory?

This means that your sample could not be analyzed. There are several reasons, including the absence of a collection date on the laboratory requisition or if the kit has expired. If the result is unsatisfactory, the screening program will send you a new FIT kit to retake the test.

If you need further testing

If you had an abnormal FIT result, the screening program nurse navigator or your health-care provider will contact you about appropriate followup care.

What follow-up tests will I need to have?

In most cases, your health-care provider will request a colonoscopy, which is a visual examination of the colon using a fibre-optic endoscope. A colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers and abnormal growths. There are also other diagnostic tests that your health-care provider may request.

What happens during a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, you'll lie on your left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative and possibly pain medications are given to help patients relax. 

The endoscopist inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, or scope, into your anus and slowly guides it through your rectum and into your colon. Your large intestine will be inflated with air or carbon dioxide to improve visibility. 

The colonoscope sends video images of your large bowel's lining to a computer monitor, allowing the endoscopist to carefully examine your colon.

Your health-care provider or the ColonCheck nurse navigator will provide detailed information regarding your procedure or test.

What if a growth is noticed during a colonoscopy?

An endoscopist can remove abnormal growths, called polyps, during a colonoscopy and have the sample tested for signs of cancer. Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective way to prevent cancer.

How will I know the results of my colonoscopy?

Your health-care provider will receive the results of your colonoscopy and help to arrange further care or treatment if needed.

What if my colonoscopy is normal?

If the results of your colonoscopy are normal, you can return to the screening program for regular screening as long as you remain eligible. ColonCheck will send you a FIT kit five years from the date of your colonoscopy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have moved/I am planning to move. How can I ensure that my test kits and letters are sent to my new address?

As eHealth sends us your information, please update your address by calling 1-800-667-7551, emailing change@ehealthsask.ca or online at www.ehealthsask.ca.

Can I opt out of participating in ColonCheck?

Yes, you can opt out of the ColonCheck screening program. Please discuss your options with your health-care provider before making a final decision. You can also contact us if you have additional questions.

Further Questions?

If you have more questions, please contact ColonCheck by phone 1-855-292-2202 or email.