Quantitative and qualitative faecal immunochemical tests for colorectal cancer screening in Kazakhstan: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a public health challenge due to limitations in screening programs. This study evaluated the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as an alternative screening method for CRC detection. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Colonoscopy and immunochemical analysis were used as standard diagnostics. A population-based survey in Kazakhstan assessed disease prevalence and screening outcomes. Diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value of haemoccult testing were analyzed, comparing quantitative and qualitative results. RESULTS: = 5786) had lower values. Of 150 clinically significant positive cases, 55 were confirmed, including 5 CRC cases and precancerous conditions. FIT facilitated large-scale screening. The Positive Predictive Value (PPV) for qualitative FIT was 10.4%, and for quantitative FIT (≥100 µg Hb/g), it was 15.7%. The Negative Predictive Value (NPV) for qualitative FIT was 100%, and for quantitative FIT, 99.5%. These results support FIT as a reliable, noninvasive tool for early CRC detection, particularly with proper triage. CONCLUSION: < 0.01).