Our Colon Cancer Screening Program is designed to detect early signs of colorectal cancer, providing crucial interventions for individuals aged 50 to 74. Early detection through regular screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase survival rates.
Why Participate in Screening?
Participating in regular screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early when it is most treatable. Since the introduction of structured screening programs like FIT and colonoscopies, the mortality rates from colorectal cancer have significantly decreased.
Determining Your Risk:
Am I at Average Risk?
- You are aged 50-74 years.
- You have no family history of colorectal cancer.
Am I at Increased Risk?
- You have an immediate family member (parent, sibling, or child) who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Screening Options Based on Risk Assessment:
For Average Risk Individuals:
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): Recommended every 2 years for those without a family history of colorectal cancer. The FIT is a simple, safe, and painless stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. The test does not require any dietary restrictions or medication adjustments and can be conveniently completed at home. For more detailed instructions on how to perform the FIT, visit Cancer Care Ontario’s FIT instructions.
- Accessing the FIT: Kits are available for free through your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Discuss obtaining a FIT kit during your next visit.
For Increased Risk Individuals:
- Colonoscopy: Recommended for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer involving one or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, or child). A colonoscopy allows for a detailed examination of the colon and rectum and can remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
- Frequency of Colonoscopy: Based on your family history and previous colonoscopy results, your Primary Care Provider may advise a colonoscopy every five to ten years.
How to Prepare for Screening:
- For FIT: Ensure you follow the specific instructions provided with your FIT kit to guarantee accurate results.
- For Colonoscopy: You may need to follow a special diet and take a bowel-cleaning agent before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions based on your situation.
Eligibility and Joining the Program:
This program is available exclusively to rostered patients of physicians at the Brighton Quinte West Family Health Organization. Contact your primary care provider about what preventative care is right for you.
