Harms of FIT screening outweigh benefits for those with no history of fecal hemoglobin (Healio)

A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that individuals with no detectable fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) in prior negative fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have a significantly higher harm-to-benefit ratio for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Led by Esther Toes-Zoutendijk, PhD, the research found that the number needed to screen (NNS) to detect advanced adenomas or CRC was notably higher among individuals with undetectable f-Hb, implying reduced screening effectiveness.