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. The screening program 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. The screening program will send the results to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider or the screening program's nurse navigator will contact you about the appropriate follow-up 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 healthcare 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 no date of collection on the laboratory requisition or if the kit is 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 healthcare provider will contact you about appropriate follow-up care.

What follow-up tests will I need to have?

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

What happens during a colonoscopy?

During a colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative, and possibly pain medication, is given to help patients relax. The doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, or scope, into the anus and slowly guides it through the rectum and into the colon. The large bowel is inflated with air, carbon dioxide or water to give better views. A small camera mounted on the scope transmits a video image from inside the large intestine to a computer screen, allowing the doctor to carefully examine the intestinal lining. Your health provider or the nurse navigator will provide detailed information regarding your procedure or test.

What if the doctor sees a growth during a colonoscopy?

A doctor can remove 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 healthcare 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. The SPCRC 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 do I make sure my test kits and letters come 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 choose to not participate in the screening program?

Yes, you can choose not to participate in the program. Please discuss your options with your healthcare 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 the screening program.