What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer and polyps (small growths) start in the cells lining the inside of the colon or rectum. Some polyps can turn into cancer over time. These polyps are called “pre-cancerous polyps” and can be detected through organized screening.
Why should I get screened?
Getting screened helps find colorectal cancer early, when it is more likely to be cured. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people with the disease can be cured. If someone does not get screened, they could have colorectal cancer and not know it. Research shows that almost 7 out of 10 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have no family history of the disease, so it is important to get screened.
Am I eligible for screening?
Your age and family history help your doctor or nurse practitioner figure out when you should get screened for colorectal cancer and what screening test is best for you.
Someone is at average risk if they are 50 to 74 years old with no first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Screening is done with a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Someone is at increased risk if they have a family history of colorectal cancer that includes 1 or more first-degree relatives with the disease. If you are at increased risk of getting colorectal cancer, you should get screened with a colonoscopy every ten years at age 50, or 10 years earlier than your relative’s age when they were diagnosed – whichever comes first.
Where can I get screened?
Mattawa Family Health Team
217 Turcotte Park Road
P.O. Box 70
Mattawa, Ontario P0H 1V0
For additional information visit: Cancer Care Ontario