Colonoscopy‐controlled intra‐individual comparisons to screen relevant neoplasia: faecal immunochemical test vs. guaiac‐based faecal occult blood test

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 432–439 Summary Background Guaiac‐based faecal occult blood tests (g‐FOBTs) are most commonly used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes. Faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are thought to be superior. Aim To compare performance of a g‐FOBT and a quantitative FIT for detection of CRCs and advanced adenomas in a colonoscopy‐controlled population. Methods We assessed sensitivity and specificity of both FIT (OC‐sensor) and g‐FOBT (Hemoccult‐II) prior to patients’ scheduled colonoscopies. Results Of the 62 invasive cancers detected in 1821 individuals, g‐FOBT was positive in 46 and FIT in 54 (74.2% vs. 87.1%, P = 0.02). Among 194 patients with advanced adenomas, g‐FOBT was positive in 35 and FIT in 69 (18.0% vs. 35.6%, P