A really simple way to find out if you may have colorectal cancer is through a stool test called FIT. This test can detect small amounts of blood in your stool which are usually invisible to the naked eye.
If you are above 50 years old and do not have any symptoms of colorectal cancer, it is recommended that you do a FIT once a year. This test can be done easily, in the comfort of your home.
How do you use a FIT kit?
Each FIT kit comes with a stick that you can use to scrape up a small amount of stool. Collect two stool samples, each from a fresh bowel movement, over two days for a more accurate result. Simply send in the samples for testing by post within 24 hours using the pre-paid envelope that was provided to you.
The test can be done in five steps.
Step 1:
Write your name, identification number and the sample collection date on the label.
Step 2:
Open the FIT kit. (a) Twist the cap to the left. (b) Pull out the cap with the stick from the kit.
Step 3:
Hold the stick straight down. Scrape up and down two to three times and left to right two to three times across the stool surface.
Step 4:
Collect only a small amount of stool.
Step 5:
Insert the stick into the FIT kit. Twist the cap to close tightly. Shake the FIT kit two to three times.
- Collect two separate stool samples, each from a fresh bowel movement
- Use a new FIT kit to collect the second stool sample on a different day
- Mail the completed FIT kits within 24 hours of each stool collection
- Store it in a cool and dry place if you are unable to mail the completed FIT kit within the day of the test
- Add water to the FIT kit
- Pour out the water from the FIT kit
- Let water or urine come into contact with the stool sample
- Collect a stool sample if you have diarrhoea, menstruation, or any bleeding conditions such as haemorrhoids (piles)
Are you eligible for subsidies?
With the enhanced Screen for Life subsidies, the fee is fixed at $5 for eligible Singaporeans, and $2 for eligible Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS Orange or Blue) and Merdeka Generation (MG) cardholders. Pioneer Generation (PG) cardholders can screen at no cost.
This fee covers the cost of the screening test, the doctor’s consultation for the visit, and the first follow-up consultation, if required.
Pioneer Generation
(PG)
$0
Merdeka Generation (MG)
$2
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Card Blue or Orange
$2
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Card Green / Eligible Singapore Citizens
$5
If you are 50 years old and above, you should do a FIT once every year. Check your screening eligibility through HealthHub by logging in with your SingPass.
Where can you get a FIT kit?
You can collect the FIT kit from any CHAS General Practitioner (GP) clinics to do the two-day FIT sampling test at home. Do make an appointment at your preferred CHAS GP clinic before collecting the FIT kit. On the appointment date, please present the relevant documents, your NRIC, and CHAS/MG/PG/PA* card, on your appointment date to qualify for the subsidy.
See your doctor immediately if you develop any colorectal cancer signs or symptoms even after a normal FIT result.
*Eligible Public Assistance (PA) cardholders will receive the same subsidies as PG cardholders.