Limited utility of faecal immunochemical testing in a colorectal cancer screening programme for adults with cystic fibrosis: insights from a prospective UK study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

People with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) are at significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), prompting international recommendations for earlier screening with colonoscopy. The utility of faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) as a screening adjunct in pwCF remains unclear. This study evaluates FIT's diagnostic performance and uptake within a CRC screening programme in a UK CF centre.

Methods

PwCF aged ≥40 years were invited in person to participate in a screening protocol including FIT and colonoscopy. FIT results were interpreted using three thresholds: ≥10 µg Hb/g (primary), ≥80 µg Hb/g and ≥120 µg Hb/g. Colonoscopy findings and polyp histology were recorded.

Results

Of 113 eligible patients, 66 (58.4%) returned FIT, 49 (43.4%) had FIT and colonoscopy,

SUBMITTER: Azam A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421605 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature