Screening for Colorectal Cancer
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Colorectal Cancer Statistics
- colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada1
- 1 in 14 men and 1 in 18 women will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime
- with screening and early detection, colorectal cancer can be preventable and easy to treat
Risk Factors
- 50 years of age or older
- smoking tobacco
- drinking alcohol
- family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer
- inflammatory bowel disease (primarily Crohn’s disease in the colon and ulcerative colitis)
- overweight or obesity
- consuming a diet high in processed and red meats
- physical inactivity
Early Warning Signs
- blood on or in your stool, either bright red or very dark in colour
- unexpected changes to normal bowel habits, such as diarrhea and/or constipation
- constant abdominal pain
- feeling that the bowel does not completely empty
- unplanned weight loss
- constant fatigue
Screening Guidelines
All individuals 50 years of age and older are at an average risk for colorectal cancer, even without symptoms. Your healthcare provider will recommend a screening test based on your medical history and your risk for colorectal cancer. The tests available vary by province and include:
- fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- flexible sigmoidoscopy
- colonoscopy
- CT colonography
Contact your healthcare team. Get checked!