Is faecal immunochemical testing effective for detecting bowel cancer?
Yes. The InSure^® FIT has demonstrated the highest sensitivity for bowel cancer detection of any non-invasive screening test 89% sensitivity for cancer. Annual testing, as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Cancer Council, can reduce the risk of mortality from bowel cancer by as much as 33 percent. 1-3
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Where can I get an InSure^® Test Kit?
You can obtain a kit from your doctor, order your kit on the internet or contact the Customer Service Line 1800 55 65 75 (free call)
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How much does the InSure^® FIT cost?
Check with the details on the order option at this internet site.
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Is the InSure^® FIT covered by insurance?
There is no reimbursement for any of these types of tests by the government, but InSure^® FIT is covered by some private health funds. Contact our Customer Service Line for details or ask your Private Health Fund provider.
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Why should I get this test?
InSure^® can reduce your risk of dying from bowel cancer. InSure^® FIT has been specifically designed for bowel disease screening. It is accuate, reliable, and easy to use. Sampling is done in the privacy of your home and requires no faecal handling or dietary or medicinal restrictions.
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Is the InSure^® FIT accurate and reliable?
InSure^® has been shown to be very accurate. Clinical trials at two of the world’s leading clinical trial sites for bowel cancer screening have shown that the InSure^® FIT is very specific and sensitive, which means earlier detection for cancers.
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How soon can I expect my results?
The InSure^® result letter will be sent to both you and your nominated doctor. You can expect the results within 14 days from when you mail in your test.
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Do I need to go on a special diet before collecting the sample?
No. You do not need to change your diet in any way before using the InSure^® FIT. It is not necessary to avoid meats or vegetables before performing the test as the InSure^®.
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Does the InSure^® FIT have any medicinal restrictions?
No. You do not need to avoid taking any medicines before the sample collection. The InSure^® FIT is specific for human hemoglobin, so the test is not affected by medicines.
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Does the InSure^® FIT require faecal handling?
The InSure^® FIT, with its patented long-handled brush, allows you to perform the screening test with no faecal handling. After each of two successive bowel movements, a special brush is used to transfer a tiny amount of water from near the surface of the stool onto the test card.
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Do I need to provide two samples?
Yes, because blood is not released constantly. Bleeding may occur only sometimes so it is important to provide two samples to ensure the best chance to pick up any potential problem.
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How is the InSure^® FIT different from faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs)?
With the InSure^® FIT, the sampling procedure is more user-friendly. Unlike FOBTs, the patented InSure^® brush requires no faecal handling. Also, InSure^® has no dietary or medicinal restrictions, and requires only two samples. Further, InSure^® offers improved specificity, since it does not react with things like vitamins, drugs, or food.
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How often do I need to do this test?
International Studies have indicated that there is a reduction of up to 33% in mortality if screening is performed annually. ^1-3 The National Health and Research Council and the Cancer Council recommend screening should be done atleast every 2 years but agree that annual screening increases the reduction in mortality.
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Should I use the InSure^® FIT if I see blood in the toilet bowl?
You should NOT use InSure^® if you see blood in the toilet bowl. You should consult your doctor immediately.
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Should I use the InSure^® FIT if I have haemorrhoids that are bleeding?
You should NOT use InSure^® if you have any haemorrhoids that are actively bleeding.
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How does the InSure^® FIT work?
InSure^® is based on the detection of human hemoglobin as an indicator of blood in the stool. The presence of globin (protein) in the stool indicates bleeding in the colon or rectum, the region where bowel cancers originate.
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What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy enables the doctor to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, or bleeding. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a long, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum and slowly guides it into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon. Colonoscopy requires dietary preparation and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
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Who manufactures the InSure^® FIT?
InSure^® is manufactured by Enterix Pty Limited. Enterix is a healthcare company founded to improve health through the early detection and prevention of life-threatening diseases.
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Can I do the test if I am menstruating?
NO. You should not perform the test three days before, during, or three days after your period.
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Can I do the test if someone in my house is menstruating?
You can perform the test if someone else in the house is menstruating, provided that you flush the toilet twice before beginning your sample collection process.
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Does a positive result mean I have cancer?
A positive test only indicates that blood was detected in the samples collected. This blood may be from conditions other than bowel cancer. A positive result does not prove that you have cancer, but it does indicate the need to establish the source of the bleeding. If you have a positive result, it is strongly recommended that you see your doctor to establish the source of bleeding. In general, a further test of the colon and rectum (such as a colonoscopy) may be required.
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How can I prevent bowel cancer?
A screening program is important so as to detect any potential problem early. National Health and Medical Research Council and the Cancer Council recommend screening for men and women age 50 and older. Those with a personal or family history of bowel cancer should consult with their doctor. A healthy diet and regular exercise are also recommended for ongoing good health.
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References:
1. Mandel JS, Bond JH, Church TR et al. Reducing mortality from bowel cancer by screening for faecal occult blood. Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study. N Engl J Med. 1993;328:1365-1371.
2. Hardcastle JD, Chamberlain JO, Robinson MH, et al. Randomised controlled trial of faecal-occult-blood screening for bowel cancer. Lancet. 1996;348:1472-1477.
3. Kronborg O, Fenger C, Olsen J, et al. Randomised study of screening for bowel cancer with faecal-occult-blood test. Lancet. 1996;348:1467-1471.