Why should I be screened for colorectal cancer?

According to statistics published by the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 16 Canadian men and 1 in 19 Canadian women will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

 

When does screening begin?

Screening is conducted for average-risk individuals between the ages of 50-75 

 

Average-risk individuals are individuals who have:

• No personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps

• No personal history of inflammatory colitis (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)

• First-degree relative over age 60 when diagnosed with colorectal cancer

• One or more second-degree relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer at any age

• Family member with history of polyps

 

How often does screening occur?

The screening kit is mailed to Nova Scotians every 2 years

 

What does screening involve?

Screening is performed with a FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Testing) kit that detects any occult (not visible to the naked eye) bleeding into the stool

 

What happens if I screen positive? 

A nurse from the CCPP (Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program) will contact you to perform a pre-colonoscopy assessment and book you for a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist