Summary:
A study found that colorectal cancer screening could be boosted by using a rapid, app-read smartphone FIT, which detects occult blood in stool as accurately as in the laboratory.
Takeaways
- In 654 adults undergoing colonoscopy, smartphone FIT showed comparable sensitivity (28% vs 34%) and identical specificity (92%) to standard lab FIT for advanced, potentially cancerous lesions.
- 55 % of invitees tried the app test, and 89 % of those users rated it a useful alternative, indicating strong acceptance of the digital approach.
- Because the at-home test removes clinic visits and mailing delays, it could help raise Germany’s current ~20 % FIT participation toward levels seen in countries like the Netherlands (>70 %).