How to Get Colorectal Cancer Screening? Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Public Funding Eligibility (Starting at Age 45), Follow-up Colonoscopy After Positive Result, and Surveillance
Colorectal cancer screening primarily uses the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) — a non-invasive, at-home stool collection test to detect invisible blood in stool. Since 2025, Taiwan has expanded public funding: individuals aged 45 to 74 are eligible for a publicly funded FIT every 2 years, and those aged 40 to 44 with a family history are also covered. If the result is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended; if negative, regular screening every 2 years is advised. Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, so regular screening helps with early detection. The following is a neutral summary of eligibility, procedures, and correct concepts — for informational purposes only, not medical advice.
How to Get Colorectal Cancer Screening? What is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FIT)?
The first-line screening tool is a simple, non-invasive FIT:
- FIT (quantitative immunochemical) is an at-home stool collection test that detects invisible blood in stool, serving as the first-line tool for colorectal cancer screening.
- It is non-invasive, generally requires no dietary restrictions, and is easy to perform. A positive result indicates occult blood and requires further investigation, but does not necessarily mean colorectal cancer.
- Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms; by the time symptoms like bloody stool, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss appear, the cancer may be advanced. Therefore, regular screening when asymptomatic is important.
Who is Eligible for Public Funding? Expanded Criteria in 2025 (Starting at Age 45)
Since 2025, the Health Promotion Administration has expanded colorectal cancer screening subsidies:
- Individuals aged 45 to 74: publicly funded FIT every 2 years (previously 50 to 74, lowered to 45 in 2025).
- Individuals aged 40 to 44 with a family history: those with a parent, child, or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer are also eligible for publicly funded screening.
- Obtain a stool collection kit at contracted healthcare facilities that offer the service, collect the sample at home, and return it. Actual eligibility and procedures are subject to the latest announcements from the Health Promotion Administration.
What to Do If FIT is Positive? Colonoscopy is Needed
A positive result does not mean cancer, but further investigation is essential — do not delay:
- If FIT is positive, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, or colorectal surgery department for a colonoscopy.
- According to Health Promotion Administration analysis, among those with positive FIT, about 1 in 2 have adenomatous polyps, and about 1 in 20 have colorectal cancer — so a positive result must be followed up.
- Colonoscopy allows simultaneous examination and polyp removal. Those concerned about discomfort can discuss painless (sedated) endoscopy with their physician; this site has a separate page on painless endoscopy.
After a Normal Colonoscopy, What Next? How Often to Rescreen?
Screening is ongoing, not a one-time event:
- If colonoscopy is normal, no immediate further action is generally needed, but it is recommended to continue FIT every 2 years.
- If polyps are found and removed, the interval for follow-up colonoscopy will be determined by the physician based on polyp type, number, and pathology.
- If symptoms occur (bloody stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, etc.), seek medical evaluation promptly regardless of age or last screening result.
Why is Colorectal Cancer Screening Important? A Neutral Perspective
This is one of the few cancers with clear evidence for screening:
- Colorectal cancer has long been one of the most common cancers in Taiwan; however, it is also a cancer that can be detected early and treated effectively through screening.
- FIT is a non-invasive, affordable first-line tool. Regular screening helps detect lesions or precancerous polyps in the asymptomatic stage.
- In summary: eligible individuals should take advantage of the biennial publicly funded FIT, and a positive result must be followed by colonoscopy — this is an evidence-based approach. Actual examinations and follow-up should follow physician and Health Promotion Administration recommendations. This page provides neutral information, not medical advice.
FAQ
At what age can I get colorectal cancer screening? Do I need to pay out-of-pocket?
Since 2025, the Health Promotion Administration provides publicly funded FIT every 2 years for individuals aged 45 to 74 (previously 50 to 74); also for those aged 40 to 44 with a parent, child, or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Eligible individuals receive government subsidies and can obtain a stool collection kit at contracted healthcare facilities. Actual eligibility and procedures are subject to the latest announcements from the Health Promotion Administration. This page provides neutral information, not medical advice.
If the FIT result is positive, does it mean I have colorectal cancer?
Not necessarily. A positive result indicates occult blood in the stool and requires further investigation, but it does not equal colorectal cancer. According to Health Promotion Administration analysis, among those with positive results, about 1 in 2 have adenomatous polyps, and about 1 in 20 have colorectal cancer. Regardless, a positive result should prompt a colonoscopy at a gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, or colorectal surgery department without delay.
How do I collect a stool sample for FIT? Do I need to restrict my diet?
The publicly funded test uses the quantitative immunochemical FIT, which is a non-invasive at-home collection. Generally, no special dietary restrictions or medication cessation are required. After collection, return the sample to the designated facility within the specified time. For actual collection and precautions, follow the instructions provided by the facility where you receive the kit.
Do I have to have a colonoscopy? Can I just do the FIT?
If the FIT result is negative, it is generally recommended to repeat the FIT every 2 years. However, if the result is positive, a colonoscopy is necessary for confirmation — this step cannot be skipped. Colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon and removal of polyps if needed, and is an important diagnostic tool. Whether and how to proceed should be evaluated by a physician.
If my colonoscopy is normal, how often should I be rechecked?
If the colonoscopy result is normal, no immediate further action is generally needed, but it is recommended to continue FIT every 2 years. If polyps are found and removed, the interval for follow-up colonoscopy will be determined by the physician based on polyp type, number, and pathology. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly regardless of screening intervals.
If I have no symptoms and no family history, do I still need colorectal cancer screening?
Yes. Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, and most cases have no family history. By the time symptoms like bloody stool, changes in bowel habits, or weight loss appear, the cancer may already be advanced. Therefore, once you reach the eligible age (45 or older, or 40–44 with family history), regular FIT is recommended as a way to detect abnormalities early in the asymptomatic stage.
This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not Medical advice, and does not constitute any diagnostic commitment.