Assessing the impact of a new fit test in the context of a population based organized screening programme for colorectal cancer

Background and study aims
Colorectal, or bowel cancer, is very common. However, if detected at an early stage, it can be easier to treat and led to a much better chance of survival. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a screening test for bowel cancer that tests for hidden blood in the stool. Blood in the stool can be an early sign of the disease. This study is investigating a new FIT screening test called FIT HM-Jackarc. It compares how this test performs against the test that is in routine use (FIT OC-Sensor Diana).
Who can participate?
Adults aged between 50-75.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group is screened for colorectal cancer using FIT HM-Jackarc. The other group is screened for colorectal cancer using FIT OC-Sensor Diana.
All participants from both groups receive an invitation kit though the post. This includes a consent form for them to sign and a leaflet describing the study. They are asked to store their stool sample at
4°C and send it back to the laboratory using the pre-paid envelope provided. The analyses are performed by experienced laboratory medicine professionals. Participants found to have hidden blood in their stool undergo a colonoscopy (a procedure where a camera is used to look at the inside of the bowel).