Canada’s first province-wide, population-based colorectal cancer screening program -- ColonCancerCheck -- launched in Ontario in 2008. The program is a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Cancer Care Ontario.
Screening rates for colorectal cancer using the fecal occult blood test doubled from 14.8% in 2003–2004 to 29.7% in 2007–2008. (Source: ColonCancerCheck 2008 Program Report)
Screening recommendation
ColonCancerCheck recommends that all Ontarians aged 50 and over be screened for colorectal cancer. For those at average risk for colorectal cancer, a simple at home test – the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – once every two years is recommended.
For those at increased risk because of a family history of one or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling or child) with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, colonoscopy is advised.
Get information and resources
On the program’s website – www.ColonCancerCheck.ca – family healthcare providers will find relevant information, resources, and program details needed to promote and engage patient in colorectal cancer screening.
To find out more about the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and to get additional information and resources on colon cancer prevention and screening visit the program’s website at
www.ColonCancerCheck.ca
ColonCancerCheck 2008 Program Report
The inaugural
ColonCancerCheck 2008 Program Report
highlights the development of ColonCancerCheck and the progress made on key program indicators.
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