What this study showed

Screening with fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) lowers the risk of dying from colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a recent study at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus.

This study was about a type of screening test called the fecal immunochemical test, or FIT for short. FIT is used to check for signs of colorectal cancer, which is cancer in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer can be very serious, but if caught early, it’s much easier to treat.

Researchers looked at how effective FIT screenings were in reducing deaths from colorectal cancer. They studied a large number of people, over 10,000, between the ages of 52 to 85. They found that those who did the FIT screenings had a lower chance of dying from colorectal cancer.

Here’s how the FIT works: it detects blood in the stool (poop) which can be a sign of cancer or large polyps (growths in the colon). The test is simple and can be done at home. If the FIT test finds blood, doctors will usually recommend a colonoscopy, which is a more detailed test to find out if cancer or polyps are present.

The study's results were promising. People who took the FIT screening were 33% less likely to die from colorectal cancer compared to those who didn’t get screened. This means that for every three people who might have died from colorectal cancer, one life could be saved through regular FIT screening. This decrease in death was most noticeable for cancers on the left side of the colon and in the rectum.

However, the study found that FIT was not as effective for detecting cancers in the right side of the colon. This is something for doctors to consider, but it does not take away from the importance of FIT in saving lives through early detection of colorectal cancer in other parts of the colon.

An interesting part of the study was that the benefits of the FIT screening were seen across different racial groups. Whether people were non-Hispanic Asians, Blacks, or Whites, those who did the FIT test had a lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer.

In simpler terms, the study tells us that doing a simple test like FIT can really make a difference. It’s a quick, non-invasive way to check for signs of colorectal cancer, and catching these early signs can save lives.

This study supports the idea that FIT screening should be a part of regular health check-ups, especially for those over 50. It’s a reminder that sometimes a simple and easy test can have a big impact on our health and longevity.

By making sure we and our loved ones get regular screenings, we can catch potential problems early and take action before they turn into something more serious. This not only helps us live longer but also healthier lives, free from the stress and difficulties of dealing with late-stage cancer.

So, in short, FIT screenings are a great tool in our longevity kit. They help detect colorectal cancer early when it’s most treatable, thereby saving lives. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in our journey toward living longer, healthier lives.

Why This Matters to Us

As longevity enthusiasts, we want to live longer and healthier lives. Preventing serious diseases like colorectal cancer is a big part of that. This study is important because it shows us how a simple test can help catch this dangerous cancer early, which means more people can get treatment before it’s too late. Understanding and using such screening methods can truly make a difference in increasing our lifespan and ensuring we live healthier, longer lives.