FIT for colorectal cancer screening from age 45

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in Austria. In 2022, around 2,439 new cases were diagnosed in men and 2,028 in women – around 10% of all cancer deaths were attributable to this disease (sources: Statistics Austria, Austrian Cancer Aid).

While the incidence rate among people over 55 is declining thanks to improved early detection, there has been an increase in precancerous lesions among men under 50: from 4.0% in 2008 to 5.2% in 2018. Women are not affected by this, which points to specific risk factors in men (source: Medical University of Vienna, 2023).

Early detection plays a crucial role: benign polyps can be detected and removed in time before they develop into cancer – this can prevent up to 90% of cases. Regular screening tests such as colonoscopy or FIT stool tests have been shown to reduce mortality by up to 50% and at the same time increase the chances of recovery for tumors detected early to over 90% (source: Cancer Aid Vienna).

Austrian Cancer Aid therefore recommends a colonoscopy at least every ten years from the age of 45, as well as an immunological rapid test (FIT) for occult blood in the stool every two years. From October 2025, social security will cover the costs (sources: Austrian Cancer Aid, Social Security).

The FIT = Fecal Immunochemical Test or iFOBT = immunological fecal occult blood test has replaced the guaiac test previously used, which could easily be falsified by food or medication. The modern FIT uses specific antibodies to detect only human hemoglobin, making it more sensitive, less prone to interference, and available for just a few euros. It therefore plays an important role in the economical step-by-step diagnosis of colorectal cancer screening.

If the test result is positive, a colonoscopy is strongly recommended to determine the cause. Often, there are harmless reasons behind it, such as slightly bleeding hemorrhoids or benign polyps. However, if colon cancer is present, early detection can contribute significantly to optimal treatment.

Even though colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, FIT is a valuable and practical addition to prevention—and is available to all Austrians aged 45 and over.

FIT with tests from Axonlab

AXONLAB has tests from several manufacturers for detecting occult blood in stool in its portfolio. Different package sizes are available, and we can also offer individual tests in different formats on request.

A selection of the available rapid tests:

Manufacturer Alltest:

Manufacturer Ameritec:

Manufacturer EXDIA:

This test works with fluorescence-labeled antibodies and is read on the EXDIA device. The advantage is high sensitivity and documentation of the results.