National Bowel Screening Programme Flashcards
National bowel screening is a free programme offers screening every ___ years to eligible people aged _________
2 years
60 to 74 years
In some parts of NZ, free bowel screening is also available to Māori and Pacific peoples aged ______
50 to 60 years
What does FIT stand for
Faecal immunity test
Of participants with a positive FIT result, approximately ______% have a bowel cancer and ______% have an advanced adenoma.
5 to 8% bowel cancer
18 to 26% advanced adenoma
Who is responsible for sending out the tests
The National Coordination Centre sends a FIT to the target population by mail every 2 years.
What does a FIT test detect
Detects blood in faeces
Uses specific antibodies against human Hb to ensures dietary animal blood residues are not measured
Does the FIT test diagnose bowel cancer?
Does not diagnose bowel cancer, but the indicates those likely to benefit from further investigation
Why do bowel screening?
Regular screening helps find bowel cancer and pre-cancerous polyps so that treatment can be provided early or before cancer develops
________ (fraction) of bowel cancers found by screening are early-stage cancers
> 1/3
Colorectal cancer is _____% curable if caught early
95%
Clinical exclusion criteria for bowel screening via FIT
Bowel cancer – historic or current
Colonoscopy within the last 5 years
Already on surveillance programme for bowel polyps, bowel cancer, or at-risk family history
Currently being treated for IBD
Currently experiencing colorectal sx
Following a positive FIT GP is required to make contact and refer them to the local district for further intervention within __________ (timeframe)
10 working days
What can you say to reassure the patient in regards to a positive FIT
Most people with a positive bowel screening result do not have bowel cancer
>1/3 of bowel cancers found by screening are at an early stage and curable
70/100 have non-cancerous polyps which can be managed before they cause problems
Next steps if positive fit + asymptomatic
Refer to the NBSP without examination or further investigations
Next steps if positive fit + symptomatic
Invite for exam +/- bloods e.g. CBC, ferritin, UEC.
If unable to examine within 10 working days, do not delay the NBSP referral.
Should you refer to NBSP even if patient declines further Ix/Mgmt
Referral is required for ALL positive results, regardless of which management option (public, private, or declined) is chosen and whether the participant is ineligible for any reason.
What happens after referral?
Date for colonoscopy is offered within 45 days
Results of the colonoscopy are given to patient on the day of the procedure.
Letter with the histology results and recommended f/up are sent to the participant + GP within 2 to 3 weeks
