Brazil's Ministry of Health has adopted the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) as the reference exam for colorectal cancer screening within the Unified Health System (SUS) [1].
The move aims to identify alterations in the colon and rectum at an early stage. Early detection is critical as the country faces an increase in both colorectal cancer cases and related deaths [2].
The national screening protocol was announced on Thursday, March 21, 2026 [1]. By utilizing the FIT test, the public health system intends to catch the disease before patients exhibit clinical symptoms, which typically increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
This implementation comes amid a significant rise in diagnostic activity. The number of early detection exams for intestinal cancer performed via SUS has tripled over the last decade [3].
The FIT test is designed to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a primary indicator of polyps, or malignant tumors. Under the new protocol, the Ministry of Health seeks to standardize this screening process across the country to ensure equitable access to preventative care [1].
Public health officials said the goal is to reduce mortality rates by shifting the focus from symptomatic treatment to proactive screening. The integration of the FIT test into the SUS framework allows for a less invasive initial screening process compared to traditional methods [1].
“The number of early detection exams for intestinal cancer performed via SUS has tripled over the last decade”
The adoption of the FIT test represents a strategic shift in Brazil's public health approach toward oncology. By moving toward a standardized, non-invasive screening tool, the government can increase the volume of eligible patients screened while reducing the immediate burden on more expensive and invasive diagnostic procedures, potentially lowering the long-term cost of care by treating cancers in earlier, more manageable stages.
