Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) will now offer the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) as the reference exam for colorectal cancer screening in asymptomatic people aged 50 to 75, according to an announcement by the Health Ministry on Thursday (21). The protocol, which could expand access to prevention and early detection for more than 40 million Brazilians, has 85% to 92% sensitivity for identifying possible alterations, according to the ministry. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"A estratégia pode ampliar o acesso de mais de 40 milhões de brasileiros à prevenção e à detecção precoce da doença, segundo o ministério."
"Segundo a pasta, o teste apresenta sensibilidade entre 85% e 92% para identificar possíveis alterações."
The new protocol was developed based on Brazilian Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening, created by the National Commission for Technology Incorporation in SUS (Conitec) in March 2026, according to the entity's preliminary report. The guidelines were requested by the National Cancer Institute (INCA) and consider Ordinance GM/MS No. 1,929 of November 23, 2023, which established a Working Group to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A proposta de elaboração das Diretrizes Brasileiras do Rastreamento do câncer de cólon e reto é uma demanda oriunda do Instituto Nacional de Câncer. Esta elaboração considera a Portaria GM/MS nº 1.929, de 23 de novembro de 2023, que instituiu o Grupo de Trabalho (GT) para fortalecer a prevenção, a detecção precoce e o tratamento do câncer de cólon e reto no âmbito do Ministério da Saúde."
The FIT detects small amounts of occult blood in feces, invisible to the naked eye, which may indicate polyps, pre-cancerous lesions or intestinal cancer. Unlike old occult blood tests, the FIT uses specific antibodies to identify human blood, increasing precision. Patients receive a home collection kit and, if results are positive, are referred for colonoscopy. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O FIT é um exame de fezes que detecta pequenas quantidades de sangue oculto, invisíveis a olho nu, que podem ser sinal de pólipos, lesões pré-cancerígenas ou câncer no intestino. Diferentemente dos exames antigos de sangue oculto nas fezes, o FIT utiliza anticorpos específicos para identificar sangue humano, o que aumenta a precisão do teste."
According to the Health Ministry, protocol implementation should occur gradually in the public network, with kit distribution and integration into SUS primary care programs. Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent in Brazil, excluding non-melanoma skin tumors, with INCA estimates of 53,800 new cases annually between 2026 and 2028. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Segundo o Ministério da Saúde, a implementação do novo protocolo deve ocorrer gradualmente na rede pública, com distribuição dos kits e integração aos programas de atenção básica do SUS."
"A estimativa do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (Inca) para cada ano do triênio 2026-2028 é de 53,8 mil novos casos."
The FIT test has 85% to 92% sensitivity for detecting alterations
The exam requires no intestinal preparation or restrictive diet
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Specific composition of Working Group established by Ordinance 1,929/2023
Conflicting versions (1)
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What will be the specific implementation timeline for FIT in different regions of the country?
Why it's still unknown: The Health Ministry announced gradual implementation but did not release detailed timeline by region or state.
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What will be the cost per test and total budget needed for implementation?
Why it's still unknown: No sources disclosed estimates of operational costs or budget allocated to the program.
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How will primary healthcare professionals be trained for the new protocol?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention integration into primary care programs but do not detail professional training process.